John 5:28

John 5:28, in plain English

Jesus says do not be amazed by what He has said so far, because a time is coming when everyone in their graves will hear His voice.

Why it's here

This is about the final resurrection of all people. Not just believers, not just the righteous, but everyone who has ever died will hear Jesus' voice and come out of their graves.

Who's speaking

Jesus points forward to the most staggering event in human history: the day when every grave opens at the sound of His voice.

Where it sits in the story

If the spiritual resurrection happening now is amazing, wait until you see the physical one. A day is coming when every cemetery, every tomb, every unmarked grave will hear one voice and respond.

The scholarly reading

Jesus shifts from present spiritual resurrection (v.25) to future physical resurrection: 'the hour is coming' (erchetai hōra, notably without 'and now is') when 'all who are in their graves' will hear His voice. This is universal bodily resurrection.

Language and setting

The absence of 'and has now come' distinguishes this from verse 25, making clear that physical resurrection from graves is a future eschatological event. Jesus claims His voice will be the instrument of universal resurrection.

Voice

Jesus describes the future physical resurrection of all the dead, accomplished by the power of His voice.

Significance

Having described the present spiritual resurrection available through faith, Jesus now points to a future day when every grave will open at the sound of His voice. No one will be excluded from this summons.

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

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

28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice

29and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

30I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

Read all of John 5 — A man who has been an invalid for thirty-eight years is told to pick up his mat and walk. The Pharisees are more concerned about the day of the week.