John 5:18 - For this cause therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
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What does "John 5:18" mean?
This verse, John 5:18, is a pivotal point in the Gospel of John and encapsulates the core conflict between Jesus and the Jewish authorities. It highlights two key reasons why the Jews sought to kill Jesus:
1. Breaking the Sabbath: Jesus had healed a man on the Sabbath (John 5:1-17). The Jewish authorities held a strict interpretation of the Sabbath laws, which prohibited certain types of work. They considered healing to be work, thus breaking the Sabbath. This was seen as a serious offense against God's law.
2. Claiming Equality with God: This is the more profound and controversial claim. Jesus didn't just call God his Father; he called God "his own Father" (Greek: patera idion). This phrasing suggested a unique, intimate, and exclusive relationship with God. By calling God his Father in this way, they interpreted that Jesus was "making himself equal with God." In their understanding, this was blasphemy, a capital offense.
Key takeaways from the verse:
Escalation: The phrase "all the more" indicates that the Jewish authorities were already opposed to Jesus, but his actions and words in this situation intensified their hostility.
Theological Significance: The verse introduces a central theme in John's Gospel: the divinity of Jesus. It emphasizes that Jesus claimed a unique relationship with God that went beyond simply acknowledging God as the Creator.
Misunderstanding: The Jewish authorities misunderstood Jesus' claims, taking it as a claim of equality in a way that they believed was blasphemous. Jesus, on the other hand, likely understood equality differently. He would explain his relationship to the Father throughout the rest of the Gospel.
Justification for opposition: The Jewish leaders thought they had justifiable reasons to oppose Jesus. This highlights how their preconceived notions and interpretations of religious law clashed with Jesus' actions and claims.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the increasing conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, ultimately leading to his crucifixion. It underscores the core theological issue of Jesus' identity and his relationship with God, which is central to Christian belief.
John 5:18 - For this cause therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
What does "John 5:18" mean?
This verse, John 5:18, is a pivotal point in the Gospel of John and encapsulates the core conflict between Jesus and the Jewish authorities. It highlights two key reasons why the Jews sought to kill Jesus:
1. Breaking the Sabbath: Jesus had healed a man on the Sabbath (John 5:1-17). The Jewish authorities held a strict interpretation of the Sabbath laws, which prohibited certain types of work. They considered healing to be work, thus breaking the Sabbath. This was seen as a serious offense against God's law.
2. Claiming Equality with God: This is the more profound and controversial claim. Jesus didn't just call God his Father; he called God "his own Father" (Greek: patera idion). This phrasing suggested a unique, intimate, and exclusive relationship with God. By calling God his Father in this way, they interpreted that Jesus was "making himself equal with God." In their understanding, this was blasphemy, a capital offense.
Key takeaways from the verse:
Escalation: The phrase "all the more" indicates that the Jewish authorities were already opposed to Jesus, but his actions and words in this situation intensified their hostility.
Theological Significance: The verse introduces a central theme in John's Gospel: the divinity of Jesus. It emphasizes that Jesus claimed a unique relationship with God that went beyond simply acknowledging God as the Creator.
Misunderstanding: The Jewish authorities misunderstood Jesus' claims, taking it as a claim of equality in a way that they believed was blasphemous. Jesus, on the other hand, likely understood equality differently. He would explain his relationship to the Father throughout the rest of the Gospel.
Justification for opposition: The Jewish leaders thought they had justifiable reasons to oppose Jesus. This highlights how their preconceived notions and interpretations of religious law clashed with Jesus' actions and claims.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the increasing conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, ultimately leading to his crucifixion. It underscores the core theological issue of Jesus' identity and his relationship with God, which is central to Christian belief.