Reflecting on John 5:16-30
“He has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.” (John 5:27)
For the Jews, the Son of Man was the promised human Messiah.
God promised this serpent-crushing seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15).
Daniel had a vision of this beat-defeating Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14).
Jesus as a human did not have this authority, it was given to Him.
Just like Adam and Eve, He was authorized to rule and to judge creation.
Jesus is reclaiming Adam's throne, and thereby restoring God's kingdom.
When we see Jesus, we need to see Him as our human replacement.
Where humanity failed, Jesus succeeded; Satan could not beat Him.
In Jesus, Adam is on the throne, and He is ruling and judging like God.
We do not recognize His kingdom because He does not rule and judge like us.
Humans rule and judge with force and power, not with humility and grace.
Jesus is a life-giving, just-judging, God-pleasing ruler and judge.
Those who welcome His justice, mercy and grace are restored by it.
With Jesus we have the authority to rule and judge like Him.
With humility and grace, not power and force, we overcome evil with good!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are ruling and judging this world in a God-pleasing way. Help us as Your followers to join You in the Father's work of crushing the serpent and defeating the beasts through humility and grace.
