Breakthrough: Week Two (John 5:19-30)

We had an awesome time this morning at our Sunrise service, thanks to Rich for leading us in worship and to Andy and the team for a fantastic breakfast!

If you’re new today, welcome!

We’re so glad you’re here.

And if you’re new, please take a minute to fill out the connect card— we’d love to know how you found us and how we can serve you better.

And to those joining us online, thank you for making this part of your Easter.

I also want to just say thank you Caleb!

What an awesome word last week.

Not only did you handle the Scriptures well, but your passion, humility, and love for the Lord ad His Word came through so clearly.

You helped us engage Scripture in a way that was real and refreshing

We’re all excited to watch how God continues to grow that gift in you.

Transition

The last nine weeks we’ve walked through John chapters 1 through 4 in a series we called New Beginnings.

And we saw just that, Jesus stepping into the world not as a theory or a tradition, but as the living, breathing Son of God.

“The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.”

He turned water into wine.

He offered eternal life to Nicodemus.

He changed the course of a Samaritan woman’s life at a dusty well. And every one of those stories carried the same heartbeat:

Jesus didn’t come just to inspire us, like many may think— He came to invite us into something entirely new.

To transform our lives and conform us to be like Him.

To bring us from our sin and darkness to freedom and light.

And now, today, we’re turning the page so to speak.

Last week, we began a new series called Breakthrough (John 5–7).

Because let’s be honest, we’re not looking just for inspiration. We’re desperate for a breakthrough in our lives.

Maybe you’ve hit a wall. Maybe it’s anxiety or guilt.

Or maybe it’s failure or disappointment. Maybe you’ve heard the Easter story before, but if you’re honest, life still feels stuck.

Still feels heavy, still feels uncertain.

But here’s the good news:

Jesus didn’t come to merely adjust our schedule. He came to shatter the things that are holding us back from loving and serving Him. To break through the lies, the fear, the shame, and lead us into real life.

Last week we saw Him heal a man who’d been paralyzed for 38 years.

And Jesus didn’t just give him his legs back, He gave him a new identity.

He offered him something greater:

“Whoever hears my word and believes… has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)

And in the weeks ahead, we’re going to see Him feed the hungry, challenge the crowd, and stand face to face with those who thought they had all the answers, only to declare:

“I am the bread of life.” “Rivers of living water will flow from within those who believe.”

It’s amazing to me when we create these sermon schedule, 6 months to a year in advance we never know how it will work out.

Generally we continue to preach straight through the books of the Bible we’re in, even on days like today- Easter.

But God always seems to align things just right.

This morning, we’re diving into John 5:19–30. Because if you’ve ever wondered why Jesus did what He did or what authority He really had to do it, this passage is going to blow that wide open.

This isn’t just about resurrection. It’s about the One who has authority over life and death itself, and what that means for you and I, today.

LET’S PRAY

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: A UNITED FRONT

Parents or grandparents/guardians… have you ever had a moment where your kid tried the ol’ "ask Dad after Mom said no" move?

Or maybe you remember doing that as a kid?

You ask Mom for a snack before dinner, she says no.

So you wait five minutes and go find Dad and try your luck.

But then bam— you’re busted, because they were on the same page the whole time.

I remember trying that as a kid.

You think maybe, just maybe, they aren’t aligned.

Maybe you’ll catch one distracted, but the truth is, good parents talk.

They’re united and when they’re on the same page?

Nice try, but you’re not getting that cookie.

Now imagine not just two parents being united, but the Son of God and God the Father— completely aligned.

No disagreement or gaps.

No catching one off guard, only perfect oneness.

That’s what Jesus claims here and it’s what causes so much tension in this moment.

SETTING THE SCENE (Historical Context)

So where are we in Jesus’ ministry?

This scene takes place shortly after a major healing miracle in Jerusalem— likely near the start of Jesus' second year of public ministry.

He's in the heart of the religious capital, right by the temple, and He just healed a paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda— on the Sabbath.

That’s strike one in the Pharisees’ eyes and then Jesus refers to God as His Father— not in a general “we’re all God’s children” kind of way, but as His Father in a unique, shared-authority kind of way.

That’s strike two and three.

So the Jewish leaders begin persecuting Him.

And here in verses 19–23, Jesus responds—not by backing down, but by doubling down.

READ JOHN 5:19–20

John 5:19–20 ESV

19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.

Jesus says— I’m not doing this independently.

I’m doing what my Father is doing.

We’re together on this, always.

He’s not saying He’s a puppet or a junior partner, He’s saying what the Father does, the Son does.

Not kind of like Him or similar, but the same.

This would have been mind-blowing and deeply offensive to the religious leaders.

In their minds, this wasn’t just bold, it was blasphemy.

But Jesus doesn’t stop there…

READ JOHN 5:21–23

John 5:21–23 ESV

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

1. The Son Gives Life (v. 21)

In Jewish thought, only God could raise the dead and only God gives life.

And now Jesus says, “The Son gives life to whomever He wants.”

But it’s not metaphorical.

Jesus is saying, I have divine power over life and death.

That’s a resurrection statement, it’s an Easter statement.

He’s not saying, “I’ll someday be able to do this.”

He says, “Even now— I give life.”

And it’s not based on merit or religious performance, it’s based on His Father’s will, His grace.

And He’s foreshadowing what’s to come— not only with Lazarus, not only with Easter morning, but the final resurrection.

Eternal life is in His hands- only Jesus holds the keys.

But Jesus isn’t just doing His own thing, He’s carrying out the will of His Father.

He’s revealing to us the heart of God.

As we’ve seen time and time again in the book of John if we want to know God more, deeper, we have to look to Jesus as He is revealing God to us.

2. The Son Judges (v. 22)

In verse 22 Jesus says that the Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son.

This was courtroom language.

In Jewish understanding, God is the Judge of all the earth and He alone weighs the hearts of people.

Only He knows all things.

But now? Jesus says— I’m that Judge, He has been entrusted with that authority.

This should really sink in for those wanting to know more about Jesus.

He’s not just here to teach good morals, He’s not just here to show us love.

He’s here with divine authority to evaluate human hearts and determine eternal outcomes.

As William Barclay puts it in his commentary on John,

Jesus’ obedience wasn’t about submitting to raw power— it was rooted in love. The unity between Jesus and the Father wasn’t forced or cold. It was the kind of unity where two hearts beat as one, where two minds share one thought, where two wills are perfectly aligned. That’s how deep their relationship goes. In every way that matters—heart, mind, purpose—Jesus and the Father are one.

But there’s more we learn about Jesus in this moment.

First, we see His confidence. From a human standpoint, all signs pointed to death. The religious leaders were closing in. The opposition was getting louder. But Jesus didn’t flinch. Why? Because He knew the future was in His Father’s hands. What God sent Him to do couldn’t be stopped by human schemes.

Second, we see His fearlessness. Jesus knew He’d be misunderstood. He knew His words would stir things up, even cost Him His life. But He never toned it down. He never backed off. He never changed the truth to protect Himself. For Jesus, staying true to the Father mattered more than avoiding conflict or saving face. Truth mattered more than safety.

3. The Son Deserves Honor (v. 23)

And here’s the climax of that truth:

John 5:23 ESV

23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

Jesus doesn’t just ask to be appreciated, respected, or admired.

He says— honor Me the same way you honor God.

That’s a call to worship.

And He adds: “Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father.”

It’s not optional or a side issue, it’s a dividing line.

As D.A. Carson puts it:

“Such a statement belongs to one who is himself to be addressed as God— or to stark insanity. Either Jesus is deluded and dangerous, or He is divine and worthy of all our worship.”

We don’t get to like Jesus as a good guy and ignore this.

We either crown Him or reject Him.

And here’s the twist: honoring the Son doesn’t diminish the Father, it glorifies Him.

Because their glory is shared; they are one in essence, one in power, one in will.

God existing in three distinct persons- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

And this is the breakthrough we celebrate at Easter:

The eternal Son of God, full of life and power, breaks through death to offer eternal life to all who believe in Him.

That’s why Jesus doesn’t just make bold claims, He follows them with an invitation and a real choice:

John 5:24 ESV

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

The difference in how we respond to Jesus is the difference between life and death.

We either believe that He is the Son of God and fully equal with God—worthy of our trust, our worship, and our surrender…

Or we reduce Him to just a good man, a wise teacher, someone safe and manageable.

But that choice has eternal weight. What we believe about Jesus right now shapes where we stand with God forever.

Two men hung next to Jesus on the cross, probably about the same distance from the Savior.

Same opportunity, same view of His suffering and strength.

But they made radically different choices. One mocked and one believed. One said, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” — but with sarcasm and skepticism. And the other rebuked the other criminal and turned to Jesus, saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

And Jesus didn’t say, “You’re too late.”

He didn’t say, “You need to earn it.” Jesus’ response to this remorseful criminal:

Luke 23:43 ESV

43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

This is the same Jesus, the same cross.

One received life, the other rejected it.

The difference? One believed. One honored the Son and passed from death to life, just like Jesus promised in John 5:24.

John 5:24 ESV

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

This story shouts it clearly:

What you believe about Jesus matters more than anything else.

It’s not about what you’ve done, that gets laid at the foot of the cross when you come to Him in repentance, it’s about whether you believe He is who He says He is.

Things to come

In verses 25–29, He’s not only talking about spiritual life and death right now, but He’s also revealing what’s still to come— real resurrection, final judgment, and eternal reality.

This is Jesus speaking plainly and powerfully about what happens after this life.

Verse 25 IS A Present Reality and a Coming Hour

John 5:25 ESV

25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

Jesus is talking about more than just a future resurrection, the hope that came from the Easter story, He’s talking about the spiritually dead being awakened right now.

And that’s the miracle of salvation; when someone responds in faith to the voice of Jesus, they go from death to life immediately.

That’s what He meant in verse 24.

But He also says “an hour is coming,” meaning this is just the beginning and there’s more ahead.

And Verse 25 is talking about a spiritual resurrection— what happens when someone hears the gospel, truly responds, and is brought from spiritual death to eternal life.

This is not a future event, Jesus says this is already happening. “The time has now come…”

That every time someone surrenders their life to Christ, it’s a resurrection moment.

It’s Jesus bringing dead hearts back to life.

At this time I’m going to let those getting baptized to head back to change and get ready.

And in a minute we’re going to hear from those who have made the decision to get baptized.

Who have received Jesus as their Savior, but now desire to be obedient to Jesus’ command, to declare their decision publicly that they follow Him!

Now listen to verse 26:

John 5:26 ESV

26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.

Jesus isn’t just handing out life like a spiritual salesman like some may have in their mind!

He is life, just as God the Father is the source of all life, Jesus, the Son, shares in that divine power.

This tells us something huge… that eternal life isn't a product; it’s a person.

You don’t get life apart from Christ, because He alone has it to give.

And Verse 27 adds:

John 5:27 ESV

27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.

This is a title packed with meaning.

“Son of Man” comes from Daniel 7—a prophecy about someone who comes with divine authority to rule and judge the nations.

And Jesus says, “That’s Me”… in fact as we’ve seen already it’s one of His favorite titles of Himself.

He’s not only the one who gives life; He’s also the one who judges.

That means every person will stand before Him because He has the authority not just to save, but to sort.

And then comes the second half of this passage in verses 28–29, which speaks of the future resurrection:

John 5:28–29 ESV

28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

This is clearly about a physical resurrection— bodies literally coming out of the grave at the sound of Jesus’ voice.

It’s not purgatory or a second chance.

It’s the final resurrection, where everyone— believers and unbelievers—will rise.

Some to eternal life with Christ, others to face final judgment.

John has already told us: salvation is by faith in the Son of God (John 3:16, 5:24).

But real faith leads to a changed life.

Those who believe in Christ live differently— not perfectly, but genuinely.

And that faith is what makes all the difference when we stand before the Judge.

So what is Jesus saying here in John 5:25–29?

He’s painting the full picture:

Spiritual resurrection is available now.

If you hear His voice and believe, you pass from death to life today.

Physical resurrection is coming for all.

No one escapes it. And the dividing line will be how you responded to Jesus.

Jesus holds the power over both.

Life and judgment belong to Him.

You don’t have to know every detail of the end times to know what matters most: The same voice that can raise your soul to life today will raise your body one day— and you want to know Him when He calls your name.

Conclusion

Our passage today shows that Jesus isn’t just a good teacher, a miracle worker, or a good man.

He is clearly the Son of God—perfectly in step with the Father, full of divine authority, and worthy of equal honor.

That’s not just theology to put on a shelf, it’s a breakthrough for every person who’s been stuck in spiritual confusion, fear, or doubt.

Why?

Because if Jesus really does what the Father does… If He really has the authority to raise the dead and judge the world… If honoring Him is honoring God Himself… Then the only breakthrough that matters is the one where your soul moves from death to life by putting your trust in Jesus Christ.

And here’s the good news:

He came so you can cross over to real life in Him.

John 5:24 ESV

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

That’s the miracle behind every baptism we’re celebrating today.

Each one is a story of someone who heard, believed, and allowed Jesus Christ to change them.

And that’s what Easter is all about too.

We don’t just follow a man who died; we worship the Son who rose.

He didn’t just take our judgment, He conquered death, and now He calls us to life.

So the question today is simple:

Have you made your eternal decision yet? Have you had that breakthrough, where you stopped seeing Jesus as optional and started honoring Him as King? If not, today could be your day.

And if you have, then join the celebration, because resurrection life is worth everything!

LET’S PRAY:

First give gospel invitation, then prayer.

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