John 7:23 - If a boy receives circumcision on the Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me, because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath?
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What does "John 7:23" mean?
This verse from John 7:23 is part of a larger argument Jesus is making to defend himself against accusations that he violated the Sabbath. Let's break it down:
"If a boy receives circumcision on the Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken..." This refers to the Jewish law that circumcision, a sign of the covenant with God, must be performed on the eighth day after a male child's birth. If the eighth day falls on the Sabbath, circumcision is still performed. This is because the command to circumcise is seen as taking precedence, even over the Sabbath law against work. The people understand and accept this.
"...are you angry with me, because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath?" Jesus is drawing an analogy. He healed a man completely on the Sabbath (as described in John 5). He argues that if they allow circumcision on the Sabbath to fulfill one aspect of the law (the covenant), why are they angry at him for healing a man entirely? His healing is more significant than circumcision, which only affects a small part of the body. Jesus' healing restores a person to wholeness.
In essence, Jesus is using a logical argument:
Premise 1: You allow circumcision on the Sabbath to uphold the law of Moses.
Premise 2: Circumcision is a partial act.
Premise 3: His healing is a complete act of restoration.
Conclusion: Therefore, you shouldn't be angry with him for doing something good and complete on the Sabbath, especially when you permit a lesser act.
What it signifies:
Jesus' authority: Jesus implies his actions are aligned with the true intent of God's law, even when they appear to contradict the traditional interpretations. He is asserting a higher understanding of the Sabbath's purpose: to bring life and healing.
Hypocrisy of the accusers: He exposes the hypocrisy of his accusers, who are willing to bend the rules for a ritual but condemn him for an act of compassion and restoration.
Focus on the spirit of the law: Jesus is emphasizing that the spirit of the law – love, mercy, and healing – is more important than rigid adherence to its letter, especially when those rigid interpretations hinder acts of compassion.
The nature of healing: The phrase "made a man completely healthy" emphasizes the transformative and total nature of Jesus' healing power. It's not just a superficial fix, but a restoration to wholeness.
In conclusion, this verse is not about advocating for breaking the Sabbath, but about challenging a legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath that misses its true purpose: to be a day of rest and renewal, and ultimately, a day where acts of mercy and restoration are permissible. Jesus is subtly asserting his divine authority and challenging the rigid traditions that were stifling true faith.
John 7:23 - If a boy receives circumcision on the Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me, because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath?
What does "John 7:23" mean?
This verse from John 7:23 is part of a larger argument Jesus is making to defend himself against accusations that he violated the Sabbath. Let's break it down:
"If a boy receives circumcision on the Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken..." This refers to the Jewish law that circumcision, a sign of the covenant with God, must be performed on the eighth day after a male child's birth. If the eighth day falls on the Sabbath, circumcision is still performed. This is because the command to circumcise is seen as taking precedence, even over the Sabbath law against work. The people understand and accept this.
"...are you angry with me, because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath?" Jesus is drawing an analogy. He healed a man completely on the Sabbath (as described in John 5). He argues that if they allow circumcision on the Sabbath to fulfill one aspect of the law (the covenant), why are they angry at him for healing a man entirely? His healing is more significant than circumcision, which only affects a small part of the body. Jesus' healing restores a person to wholeness.
In essence, Jesus is using a logical argument:
Premise 1: You allow circumcision on the Sabbath to uphold the law of Moses.
Premise 2: Circumcision is a partial act.
Premise 3: His healing is a complete act of restoration.
Conclusion: Therefore, you shouldn't be angry with him for doing something good and complete on the Sabbath, especially when you permit a lesser act.
What it signifies:
Jesus' authority: Jesus implies his actions are aligned with the true intent of God's law, even when they appear to contradict the traditional interpretations. He is asserting a higher understanding of the Sabbath's purpose: to bring life and healing.
Hypocrisy of the accusers: He exposes the hypocrisy of his accusers, who are willing to bend the rules for a ritual but condemn him for an act of compassion and restoration.
Focus on the spirit of the law: Jesus is emphasizing that the spirit of the law – love, mercy, and healing – is more important than rigid adherence to its letter, especially when those rigid interpretations hinder acts of compassion.
The nature of healing: The phrase "made a man completely healthy" emphasizes the transformative and total nature of Jesus' healing power. It's not just a superficial fix, but a restoration to wholeness.
In conclusion, this verse is not about advocating for breaking the Sabbath, but about challenging a legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath that misses its true purpose: to be a day of rest and renewal, and ultimately, a day where acts of mercy and restoration are permissible. Jesus is subtly asserting his divine authority and challenging the rigid traditions that were stifling true faith.