AmazedNäide

Jesus as Judge

The oneness Jesus shares with his Father is further emphasized when he makes an additional claim about his deity. “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22, NIV).

The authority to judge is another attribute associated with God in the Old Testament (Genesis 18:25, Psalm 9:7, Isaiah 3:13). Jesus also reaffirmed his authority to judge when he invoked his primary Messianic title. “And he (the Father) has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man” (John 5:27).

The term “Son of Man” appears numerous times in the Old Testament, mainly in the Book of Ezekiel, and refers to a human being. However, in the Book of Daniel, the term is associated with a Messianic prophecy that encompasses kingdom authority and dominion.

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14 ESV).

This term “Son of Man” is the one Jesus used most often when referring to himself. His use of that title frequently coincided with his death or his return. Both correspond with his authority to judge.

The capacity to judge is twofold. It coincides with the giving of eternal life, and it will also occur when Christ returns at the end of human history. Although it happens twice, it happens only once for each person regarding eternal salvation. For those in Christ, that’s good news.

Reflection: How do you feel knowing that Christ is both a judge and a giver of life?

Matt. 20:17-10
Matt. 24:29-31
Mark 8:31-38
John 3:13-15