Day 7: John Chapter 5 (part 2)

This passage moves from speaking of the eternal life, which seems to be offered in the present, to the future resurrection anticipated by Jewish apocalyptic thought present at the time of Jesus' ministry. Some would understand these two concepts, eternal life and the resurrection, to be synonymous yet it does not account for the shift in grammar present in this chapter. Jesus speaks of those who believe in them to have eternal life alluding to a present reality opened up to the believer at the moment of conversion. The resurrection is certainly a future event here as He speaks of "the coming hour" multiple times. The greek translated eternal life (zoein aionian) may be better translated here in the literal: "life of the ages." This helps us to understand eternal life as the life that is offered in the kingdom of God. Life in the present reality yet transformed and transforming of reality as lived in the power and grace of the kingdom of God.
Jesus returns to the concept of eternal life: "You search the srciptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have eternal life (v. 39,40)." Here again Jesus deconstructs the notion that eternal life can be had any other way than through him. The scriptures do not contain eternal life rather point the way to eternal life, a life of the ages, a life in the kingdom of God through the message of Jesus. If you are waiting for the resurrection to recieve eternal life then you have missed the point. Live in the eternal kingdom of God right now. Be transformed and transform this world through the work of the Savior. Believe in the one God has sent so that you may have "his word abiding in you (v.38)." Do not get caught up in the first century cultural preoccupation with the resurrection. Live in the kingdom and accept the eternal llife Jesus offers to each of us right now. Then, and only then, will you be free to do the work of the kingdom in this present reality; which is, among other things, to feed the hungry, love the unloved, and trust our Savior will work through you to redeem this world.