Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. John 5:18 KJV
It is important to note that by “the Jews” John means the religious leaders of Jerusalem. The translation from the Greek word “Ioudaioi ” specifically means the Sadducees, Pharisees, and the religious scribes of Jerusalem. Although they believed in life after death, the Pharisees, in particular, were traditionalists and legalistic.
Due to their legalism and traditionalism, the Pharisees often persecuted people for failing to keep the traditions added to the law of Moses over time by religious leaders. Jesus condemns this practice in Matthew 15:9 saying, “And in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine rules made by men. WEB”
Healing on the Sabbath
Understanding the cold hearted, hypocritical, religious dogma of the Pharisees, Jesus challenged their understanding of godly behavior. Jewish leaders did not allow work on the sabbath but Christ healed a physically disabled man on the sabbath. When the Pharisees learned of this, they accused Jesus of breaking God’s law.
Jesus’ response to this criticism is recorded in John 5:17 which states, ‘But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is still working, so I am working, too.’ WEB” This enraged the religious leaders. Not only did Jesus work on the sabbath, but he also asserts that God is his Father. If this statement is not true, then he is guilty of blasphemy.
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath
However, as Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, it is the Pharisees inability to recognize this fact that causes their error in judgment. Jesus’ words and deeds reveal his divinity on many documented occasions. Additionally, we read in Matthew 12:8, “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. WEB”
Jesus defended his working on the sabbath in spite of Jewish tradition. One of his arguments in favor of the practice is recorded in Matthew 12:11 which reads, “He said to them, “What man is there among you, who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, won’t he grab on to it, and lift it out? WEB”
The hypocrisy of the Pharisees was lost on them as they passed judgment on others, one of their supposed duties, even on the sabbath. In contrast, Jesus taught the reasonable lesson of God allowing good works on the sabbath.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the mighty example of Jesus Christ. Thank you for making clear your desire for mercy and love. Give me wisdom to understand your holy word. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Without Meaning
