“For the Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”
(John 5:22)
One of the most exalted passages in all of Scripture, capturing the Person, Mission, and Position of Christ, is found in Philippians 2:5-11:
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
This text declares Christ’s deity: He is God, equal with the Father, as He Himself said, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). Yet though He was in the form of God, He humbled Himself, assuming servile humanity, and submitted even to the shameful death of the cross. His mission was to redeem through sacrifice. And because He carried it out perfectly to the letter, according to God’s foreordained plan, God has exalted Him above all, giving Him the name above every name—Lord over all.
Christ is now exalted in heaven, reigning above principalities and powers. His name is higher than every name in heaven and earth. God has placed “all things under his feet” (Ephesians 1:22). He governs creation for the sake of His Church, defending her and ensuring her salvation. He intercedes continually as our High Priest, sustains His people as the Author and Finisher of our faith, leads as the Head of His body, and reigns as Lord of heaven and earth.
And when God’s time is fulfilled, Christ will return to the earth in majesty. He will come in the clouds, attended by countless angels, heralded by the trumpet of God and the voice of the archangel. Every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. At that moment He will not come to serve but to judge. John 5:22 declares, “For the Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”
On that day Christ will sit on His throne of glory. Angels will gather His elect from every corner of the earth, and all nations will stand before Him. The wicked will be condemned to eternal torment, cast away into hell with the devil and his demons. And the righteous will hear His blessed sentence, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for You from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34) and will be led into everlasting joy in the Father’s kingdom.
Christ is exalted above all—the eternal Lord before whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess. Let our hearts adore Him even now, for He alone reigns supreme.[1]
Contemplations:
- Christ reigns above all. As I consider Philippians 2:9, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name,” I find great comfort in the truth that my Savior reigns supreme. His constant intercession before the Father assures me of His ongoing care and defense of His Church and reminds me to worship Him, serve Him, and rely on Him entirely, for He is the source of my faith and the keeper of my soul.
- The majesty of Christ’s return. The thought of Christ’s return fills me with wonder and anticipation. “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). His return will be a sight to behold, with angels attending Him and the trumpet of God announcing His arrival. This imminent reality encourages me to live in a way that honors Him as I look forward to the day when every eye shall see Him and His glory will be revealed to all.
- The day of judgment. Considering the day of judgment, I am reminded of the gravity of my thoughts, words, and deeds. “For the Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22). This truth brings a sobering reality to my life, knowing that on that day all will be brought to light. The righteous Judge will condemn the wicked, but the godly will receive the blessed sentence of absolution. This truth urges me to strive for righteousness in everything I say and do.
- Eternal life with Christ. The promise of eternal life with Christ is a source of immense joy and hope. “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). Knowing that Christ will one day share with me the glories of His Father’s kingdom for all eternity fills me with a deep sense of purpose and direction. This “blessed hope” motivates me to live faithfully, worshipping and serving the Lord with all my heart, as I look forward to eternal joy and peace in His presence.
Prayer (adoration):
Almighty Lord Jesus, exalted above all, I lift my heart in awe of Your majesty. You who were in the form of God did not grasp at Your equality but humbled Yourself, taking on the likeness of men, bearing reproach, and enduring the cross. I adore You for such humility, that the infinite God stooped so low for sinners such as me.
I praise You that Your Father has now highly exalted You, seated You at His right hand, and has given You a name above every name. You are Lord of lords and King of kings, Head of the Church and Judge of the nations. All things are under Your feet, and yet You intercede for Your people, pleading Your blood before the throne. I adore You as my great High Priest and my eternal Shepherd.
I worship You as the One who will come again in glory. The trumpet will sound, the heavens will part, the angels will attend You, and every eye will behold Your splendor. Even those who pierced You will see You, and all the tribes of the earth will tremble. Yet for Your redeemed it will be joy, for You will gather Your flock and lead them into Your Father’s kingdom. I adore You for this blessed hope.
I exalt You as the righteous Judge for the Father has committed all judgment to You. On that day You will separate the sheep from the goats, the righteous from the wicked. Your judgment will be pure, Your sentence unerring, Your justice perfect. I adore You for the holiness of Your throne and the certainty of Your verdicts.
And I magnify You as the Giver of eternal life. To Your saints You will say, “Come, ye blessed of my Father.” You will wipe away every tear, banish every sorrow, and fill eternity with Your glory. I adore You for this inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for Your people.
Lord Jesus, exalted above all, let my heart bow before You, my tongue confess You, my life proclaim You. All glory, dominion, and honor be to You forever.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for John 5:22:
Acts 10:42, John 9:9, Romans 14:10, 2 Timothy 4:1
[1] Jeremy Taylor, The Golden Grove, (London: J.F. for R. Royston .., 1655), 32.
