Scripture: John 5:28 (ESV) – “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice”
Having just declared His authority to judge as the Son of Man, Jesus now points forward to the final resurrection, when every person who has died will hear His voice. He says, “Do not marvel at this,” not to diminish the wonder of what He’s said, but to prepare His hearers for an even greater revelation: the resurrection of the dead is real, certain, and will be personally commanded by Christ Himself.
William Gouge, reflecting on this text, emphasizes that Christ’s voice, which once called Lazarus from the tomb and now raises dead souls to spiritual life, will one day call all bodies from their graves. It will not be a general force or impersonal power, but the deliberate, personal summons of the Son of God. “His voice shall pierce through marble tombs and dust-scattered remains,” Gouge writes, “and the bodies of men shall rise at once, obeying their Maker’s call.”
What should astonish us is not just that the dead will rise, but that it is Christ’s voice that raises them—He who once was crucified and buried, now speaks as Sovereign Lord of death and life. This verse sets the stage for the final judgment, where every man will stand before Christ—none exempt.
To those who heard Jesus speak, this claim must have seemed nearly unthinkable. And yet, He speaks with full assurance. Just as He gave spiritual life to the soul (v.25), so He will give physical life to every body in the last day.
This truth should awaken both holy fear and great hope: fear for those who remain in unbelief, and hope for those who trust in Christ. The hour is coming. His voice will be heard. The dust will rise.
Reflection Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus tells us not to marvel, even as He speaks of resurrection?
- How does it affect your faith to know that Christ Himself will raise all the dead with His voice?
- Does the certainty of bodily resurrection shape the way you live today—in hope, in urgency, in holiness?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of life and death. Let me not take lightly the reality of the resurrection to come. Teach me to live each day in light of eternity, knowing that Your voice will one day call every man from the grave. Keep me awake, faithful, and ready. And may I always marvel—not at the power alone—but at the mercy of the One who speaks. Amen.
This devotional is based on John 5:28, with insights from William Gouge’s teaching on the resurrection and the sovereign authority of Christ.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 