John 5:28 – “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus continues His teaching about His authority over life and judgment. He has already explained that He has been given authority to judge (John 5:27), and now He tells His listeners that there will be a future event where all the dead will hear His voice.

Jesus tells them not to be amazed—not because this is an unimportant teaching, but because it is certain to happen. He is reinforcing the truth that resurrection and judgment are real, unavoidable events.

This verse points to the universal resurrection of the dead. It is not just about those who believe in Jesus, but about all people. The next verse (John 5:29) explains that some will be raised to life, while others will be raised to judgment. But here, the focus is on the certainty of resurrection—one day, every person who has ever died will rise again when Jesus calls them.

This statement would have been shocking to His audience. The idea that a man standing before them could command the dead to rise was extraordinary. But Jesus was not making an empty claim—He was revealing His divine power.

Historical Context

The Jewish people had different beliefs about the resurrection. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead (Daniel 12:2), while the Sadducees denied it (Acts 23:8). Jesus affirms the reality of resurrection, showing that it is not just an abstract idea but a future event that will be commanded by His voice.

The Old Testament teaches that God alone has power over life and death:

• 1 Samuel 2:6 – “The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.”
• Daniel 12:2 – A prophecy that the dead will rise, some to everlasting life and others to shame.

For Jesus to claim that He will be the one to call the dead from their graves was a direct claim to divinity. The people listening to Him would have understood that He was making a God-level declaration.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus Has Authority Over Life and Death – Only God can raise the dead, and Jesus says that He will do it with His voice. This is a powerful proof of His divine nature.
2. The Resurrection is Universal – Every person who has ever died will be raised—both believers and unbelievers. No one will escape resurrection.
3. Resurrection Leads to Judgment – This verse sets the stage for the next verse, where Jesus explains that people will be raised either to eternal life or to judgment.
4. Jesus’ Word Has Power – The dead will rise simply by hearing His voice. This reminds us of Genesis 1, where God created the world by speaking. Jesus has the same life-giving power.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel frequently contrasts life and death, light and darkness, belief and unbelief. This verse fits into that pattern by emphasizing Jesus’ power over death.

The phrase “a time is coming” is often used in the Bible to describe significant future events, such as the final judgment. Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the certainty of the resurrection.

The word “all” is key in this verse. Jesus is not just talking about believers—every single person who has ever lived will be raised. There is no exception.

The phrase “hear his voice” is also significant. In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice.” But here, even those who rejected Him will hear Him. This highlights that His authority extends to every person, whether they accepted Him or not.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 11:43-44 – Jesus calls Lazarus from the tomb, proving His power over death.
• Daniel 12:2 – A prophecy about the resurrection of the righteous and the wicked.
• Acts 24:15 – Paul teaches that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.
• 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – Paul describes the resurrection of believers at Jesus’ return.
• Revelation 20:12-13 – The final judgment, where the dead are raised and judged.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that this life is not the end. Every person will be raised again and will face eternity. That should give us both hope and urgency:

• Hope—For those who trust in Christ, resurrection means victory over death. We do not have to fear the grave because we know we will rise again to eternal life.
• Urgency—For those who do not know Christ, resurrection leads to judgment. This should motivate us to share the Gospel, knowing that everyone will one day stand before Jesus.

It also teaches us to trust in Jesus’ power. If He can call the dead from their graves, then He can handle whatever we face today. His power is greater than our struggles, and His word is the final authority.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, resurrection and judgment might seem like a fearful topic. But in reality, they are a display of God’s love and justice.

• God’s love is seen in the promise of resurrection. He does not leave us in death—He offers eternal life through Jesus.
• God’s justice is seen in the certainty of judgment. Evil will not go unpunished. Every wrong will be made right.
• God’s patience is seen in His delay. The fact that resurrection has not happened yet means that God is giving people more time to repent (2 Peter 3:9).

This verse shows that God is both just and merciful. He will raise all people, but He offers salvation now so that we can be raised to eternal life rather than judgment.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the one who will call the dead to life. His voice has power over death, and when He speaks, the grave must give up its hold.

• John 1:4 – “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”
• John 10:27-28 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life.”
• John 11:25-26 – “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
• Revelation 1:18 – “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

Jesus is not just a teacher or a religious leader—He is the one who holds the power over life and death. His resurrection proves that He has the authority to call all people from their graves.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach us about Jesus’ authority?
2. Why do you think Jesus told His listeners not to be amazed?
3. How does this verse challenge the idea that death is the end?
4. What should this verse teach us about sharing the Gospel?
5. How does knowing that Jesus will call the dead to life impact the way you live today?

This verse reminds us that Jesus has the final word on life and death. The question is: When His voice calls, will we be ready to answer?