Who Is Worthy to Execute Judgment

Lesson #88

In this lesson we will continue our study of John 5:25 – 29, by looking at verse 27: “And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man” (ESV). Because of the Father’s love for the world he sent the Son of God. His Son entered this world by taking on flesh and is called the Son of Man. The incarnation of the Son of God did not involve the subtraction of deity, but the addition of humanity. The Son of God reflects deity while the Son of Man reflects humanity. These two natures, divine and human, are conjoined into the person of Jesus.

Consider what Paul said to the people assembled on Mars Hill in Acts 17:30 – 31: “Therefore, although God has overlooked such times of ignorance, he now commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has set a day on which he is going to judge the world in righteousness, by a man whom he designated, having provided proof to everyone by raising him from the dead” (NET). This man who is going to judge the world in righteousness is the one who God raised from the dead; he is Jesus the Son of Man; a human nature.

Several more verses that add clarity to this need of a Son of Man is found in Revelation 5. “A mighty angel cries out with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” This question is asked at the end of human history when God unleashes on the world his final judgments. The answer given is, “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” However, John does not see a Lion but instead a Lamb who was found worthy: “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God” (Revelation 5:2, 5 – 6, 9 ESV).

Of the one who would judge the world, God required him to be a slain lamb; a crucified man. In order to judge the Son of God must become the suffering Son of Man; the Lamb of God. The death and resurrection of the Son of Man must occur first before the Son of God as the Lion of Judah can open the seals. The wages of sin is death. A perfect man must die for our sin and when he does he is qualified to execute judgment.

Prayer

Father, how thankful I am that provision was made for my sin to be covered so that I could be forgiven and given eternal life. Thank you for the sacrifice that was made for me and for the free gift of eternal life.