What Jesus Did! 'They Will Hear and Rise Again!' — John 5:28-29

Thursday, April 9, 2026

[Jesus continued,] "Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment."
— John 5:28-29 NLT

Key Thought

Do you remember the voice of your mother or father calling you home? I do. Of course, my perception of that voice was greatly influenced by what I was doing and whether that was pleasing to my mother or father. For those of us who live for Christ, hearing the voice of our Savior and being raised from the dead will be glorious! His voice will be powerful, majestic, and exciting. However, for those who do not live for Jesus, who do what is evil and do not come to him for grace and salvation, his voice will be mighty and terrifying. Let's make sure that our love for the Lord ensures that whether we are alive or dead when he comes, the sound of his voice will thrill us with the anticipation of our eternal glory!

Today's Prayer

Father, shape my life into the character of your Son. Empower me toward holiness by your Holy Spirit as I seek to honor you with both my heart and my behavior. Forgive me for not being more passionate about my life being lived completely for your glory. Fill me with expectation as I await the sound of my Savior's voice at his glorious return. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 5:28-29 NLT — "Don't be so surprised!"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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