The Gospel of John: Come to Me and Live John 5:20-42

“Come to Me and Live”

Text: Gospel of John 5:20–42

John 5:20–42

Introduction of myself

Prayer

There are moments in life when someone makes a claim so big that it changes everything.

Imagine a person standing in a hospital room and saying, “I have authority over life and death.” You would either call security… or fall at their feet. But really you would look around to see if your in the psych ward.

In John 5, Jesus makes claims that are that bold. He has just healed a man on the Sabbath. The religious leaders are furious. But instead of softening His words, Jesus makes them stronger.

In verses 20–42, He reveals three powerful truths:

1. He has divine authority.

2. He offers eternal life.

3. He exposes the tragedy of unbelief.

And at the center of it all is one invitation: “Come to Me and Live.”

The Authority of the Son (John 5:20–23)

John 5:20–23

Jesus says the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does.

● He says He gives life.

● He says he will judge the world.

● He says all must honor the Son just as they honor the Father.

That is not the language of a mere teacher. He has the authority of the all mighty because he is.

Jesus is not merely representing God. He is equal with God. To dishonor Jesus is to dishonor the Father.

We live in a culture comfortable saying:

● “I believe in God.”

● “I’m spiritual.”

● “I respect Jesus.”

But Jesus leaves no room for casual respect. That forces a decision.

As we continue to look into this story we read verses 24-30.

The Gift of Eternal Life (John 5:24–30)

John 5:24–30

Then Jesus says something astonishing:

“Whoever hears my word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.”

Not will pass. Has passed.

Salvation is not only a future hope — it is a present reality.

Illustration: The Courtroom

Picture a courtroom. The evidence is overwhelming. The verdict is guilty. The sentence is death. Then the judge steps down, takes your place, and declares, “Your sentence has been served.”

You walk out free — not because you were innocent, but because someone else paid. That is what Jesus has the authority to do.

But He also warns: A day is coming when all will hear His voice and rise —

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.

The things we all have done will be judged even the ones we got away with. So just remember when you blamed your sibling for something you did.

The Witnesses That Testify (John 5:31–42)

John 5:31–42

Jesus knows His claims are massive. So he presents witnesses, like a courtroom defense.

John the Baptist

John was a burning and shining lamp. People flocked to him. But lamps are not the sunrise. They only point to it. in the same way that john pointed to the coming king.

Illustration: Road Signs

Imagine driving cross-country. You see a sign: “Grand Canyon – 10 miles.” You don’t stop and build a house under the sign. The sign points you somewhere. John pointed to Jesus.

But many admired the sign and missed the Savior.

His Works

Jesus says His miracles testify about Him.

The lame walk.

The blind see.

The dead are raised.

Miracles are not magic tricks. They are identity markers. They shout: “The Kingdom of God is here!”

The Father

The Father Himself testifies about the Son. Yet Jesus tells them, “You have never heard His voice.” Religion without relationship leaves us spiritually deaf.

4. The Scriptures

Then Jesus says something sobering:

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about Me — yet you refuse to come to Me.” They knew the text. They missed the Person.

The Tragedy of Refusal

The saddest words in this passage:

40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Not “You can’t.”

Not “You don’t understand.”

But “You refuse.”

The problem was not lack of evidence. It was a lack of surrender.

You can:

● Attend church

● Study Scripture.

● Defend theology.

● Memorize the bible

you can do all these things and still not love God.

.

Application

This passage presses us with three questions:

1. Do I honor Jesus as God?

2. Have I personally passed from death to life?

3. Am I studying Scripture to know about Him — or to come to Him?

Christianity is not merely believing facts.

It is coming to a person.

Not admiring the sign.

Not debating the evidence.

Not applauding the miracles.

But coming.

Conclusion

In this text,

He presents His authority, He offers life, He calls witnesses, And then he issues an invitation.

“Come to Me and Live.”

Life is not found in performance.

Not in knowledge alone.

Not in religious activity.

Life is found in Him.

Today, the same voice that will one day call the dead from their graves calls to us now:

Come.

Believe.

Live.

If you're wanting to accept Jesus in your life we would love to talk to you. I will be in the lobby happy to talk.

Pray