Scripture: John 5:27 (ESV) – “And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.”
This verse completes the majestic arc begun in verse 26. The Son, who has life in Himself like the Father, is also given authority to judge all mankind. And what is striking is the reason Jesus gives: “because he is the Son of Man.”
Here, Jesus is not appealing to His divine nature alone but to His incarnate identity—the Son of Man, the one who has taken on human flesh and walked among us. William Gouge highlights the wonder of this: it is precisely because Christ humbled Himself, taking on our nature, enduring our weakness, and being tempted in every way, that He is uniquely qualified to judge us. He is not a distant, aloof deity. He is the God-Man, who knows both the holiness of heaven and the frailty of man.
This authority to execute judgment has been granted to the Son not in His eternal divine essence (which needs no grant), but in His office as Mediator. The Father has appointed Christ to be Judge of the living and the dead—not merely as God, but as God in the flesh. As Gouge says, “He who bore our judgment shall one day pronounce it.”
This should stir both reverence and hope in the believer. Reverence, because the Judge before whom every man will stand is Christ Himself. Hope, because the Judge is also our Redeemer. For those who are in Him, there is no condemnation (Rom. 8:1), because the One who judges has already borne their sentence.
Reflection Questions:
- Why does Jesus emphasize His role as the Son of Man when speaking of judgment?
- How does it comfort you to know that your Judge is also the One who suffered in your place?
- In light of this verse, how should we live in relation to Christ’s authority and future judgment?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Son of Man—the Righteous Judge who understands us fully and rules with perfect justice. Thank You for bearing judgment on our behalf. Help us to walk in holy reverence, knowing we will stand before You. And help us also to rest in joyful confidence, knowing that our Judge is also our Advocate. Amen.
This devotional is based on John 5:27 and shaped by William Gouge’s teaching on Christ’s office as Mediator and Judge.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 