John 5:19-24 (NRSV)
Read John 5:19-24 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. Verse 20The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Verse 21Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. Verse 22The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, Verse 23so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Verse 24Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Devotion
Jesus claimed that he was instructed by God and shared his teaching with us. He said that whoever hears God’s word and believes it has life.
God’s word gives life. It was that way in the original creation and it is that way now. We receive the gift of eternal life from God through Jesus Christ. This is the authority of the word. This word from God leads us out of death to life.
We are directed in the way that draws us to Christ so that we can be nurtured and sustained in this new life. This word speaks life into us so that we may connect with family and friends in a great fellowship of love. This word speaks life so that we are empowered to be reconciled with enemies.
Prayer
Gracious God, I thank you for giving your living word to me so that I may walk on the path of life and not death. Amen.