This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Jews saw Jesus' claim that God was his "own Father" not just as a Sabbath violation, but as a direct declaration of divinity, equating himself with God in a way that was blasphemous to them. This wasn't a mere metaphor; they understood him to be asserting a unique, intrinsic relationship that placed him on par with the Almighty.
This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Jesus healing the man on the Sabbath, the religious leaders were already seeking to arrest him. But when Jesus responded by claiming his Father was still working and that he was too, they were further enraged. This led them to intensify their efforts to kill him, seeing his words as not only a violation of the Sabbath but also a blasphemous claim of equality with God.
The Jews' anger wasn't just about a broken Sabbath. Jesus layered a much bigger claim on top, and they knew exactly what he meant.
In this verse, we see the two main accusations the religious leaders leveled against Jesus:
Sabbath Violation
They felt Jesus was 'loosening' or 'relaxing' the law of the Sabbath by healing on that day. This was a serious offense in their eyes, suggesting disrespect for God's commands.
Claiming Divine Equality
More significantly, Jesus called God 'his own Father,' a unique designation. The Jews understood this not just as a spiritual relationship, but as a claim to be equal with God. This was the charge of blasphemy, which carried the death penalty according to their law.
Did Jesus back down when accused of blasphemy and Sabbath-breaking? Absolutely not. His response doubled down on his divine authority.
Jesus didn't deny the charges; instead, he reframed them. His defense was two-pronged:
God's Continuous Work
Jesus pointed to his Father's ongoing activity: 'My Father is working until now, and I am working.' He argued that just as God continuously works (sustaining creation, carrying out his purposes), so too does he. Healing the man on the Sabbath was an act of divine work, not a violation of God's true rest.
Unique Sonship and Equality
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By calling God 'his own Father' and equating his work with God's, Jesus was asserting a unique, divine identity. He wasn't just claiming a spiritual connection like other believers; he was declaring a profound equality with the Father. He didn't shy away from this implication; in fact, he went on to explain that the Son does only what he sees the Father doing, demonstrating their shared divine essence and purpose.
Jesus knew his words would infuriate his accusers and endanger his life. Why did he press on?
This passage reveals a crucial aspect of Jesus' mission: proclaiming the truth, even at great personal risk.
Proclaiming Truth
Jesus didn't compromise the truth to appease his enemies or ensure his safety. He understood the implications of his claims and the anger they provoked. He wasn't trying to provoke them needlessly, but he refused to retract his identity or his Father's work.
The Nature of Truth
Sometimes, the truth itself can be offensive to those who are resistant to God. The 'fault' doesn't lie in the truth, but in the hearts of those who reject it. Jesus' willingness to speak the truth, knowing the cost, serves as a powerful example for us.
Understand the original words
sabbaton · Hebrew/Greek Noun
The cessation of work ordained by God in the Creation week and codified in the Mosaic Law as a sign of the covenant. In a theological sense, it points to the rest found in God and the finished work of redemption.
isos · Greek Adjective
The attribute of having the same nature, essence, and authority. By claiming equality with God, Jesus explicitly identifies his divinity and unity with the Father.
The intensifying desire to kill Jesus stems from a deeply rooted understanding of Jewish law and identity. His actions, particularly healing on the Sabbath and claiming God as 'His own Father,' were interpreted by religious leaders not merely as violations of religious observance, but as blasphemy—a direct challenge to God's exclusive sovereignty and an assertion of equality with Him, carrying the death penalty under the Law.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Power
The Assyrian Empire, a dominant force in the Ancient Near East, frequently exerted military and political pressure on the region, including Judea. This context of foreign dominance and potential threat shaped Jewish identity and their understanding of God's sovereignty.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah, capturing many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event deeply impacted Jewish faith, highlighting their vulnerability and reinforcing their reliance on God amidst military and political upheaval.
586 BC
Babylonian Destruction of Jerusalem
The Neo-Babylonian Empire, succeeding the Assyrians, destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, deporting many Judeans into exile. This catastrophic event marked a profound crisis in Jewish history and theology, prompting intense reflection on God's covenant and judgment.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon, allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marked the beginning of the Second Temple period and a restoration of Jewish religious and political life, albeit under foreign rule.
c. 3rd-2nd century BC
Hellenistic Influence and Conflict
Following Alexander the Great's conquests, Greek culture and influence spread throughout the region. Tensions arose between Hellenizers and traditionalists, particularly over adherence to Mosaic Law, culminating in the Maccabean Revolt.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Conflict with Authorities
During Jesus' public ministry, He performed miracles, taught with unique authority, and challenged prevailing interpretations of the Law, particularly concerning the Sabbath. His claims of divine authority and unique relationship with God the Father led to increasing confrontation with religious leaders.
This passage highlights Jesus' pre-existent divine nature and his willingness to set aside his equality with God for humanity's sake, a concept the Jews in John 5:18 accused him of claiming.
Colossians 1:15-17These verses describe Jesus as the exact image of God and the sustainer of all creation, reinforcing the idea that his claim of working like the Father (John 5:17) was a reflection of his divine identity.
Hebrews 1:3This passage states that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his nature, directly supporting the Jews' understanding that calling God his Father and working like Him was a claim of equality with God.
John 10:30-33Jesus later reiterates his unity with the Father, leading to a similar accusation of blasphemy from the Jews, showing the consistent theme of his divine claims and the people's reaction.
Exodus 31:12-17This Old Testament passage establishes the strict observance required for the Sabbath, providing the backdrop for why Jesus' actions and claims in John 5 were seen as such a direct violation of God's law.
ellicottJohn 5:18: "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."
(18) For “had broken,” read did He break, and for “His Father,” His own Father. They recognise as beyond doubt what He means by the term “My Father,” and the attribute of ceaseless energy. It was a claim which none other had ever made, that God was in a peculiar sense His own Father. They feel it is a claim to divinity, a…
barnesJohn 5:18: "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."
The more to kill him - The answer of Jesus was suited greatly to irritate them. He did not deny what he had done, but he "added" to that what he well knew would highly offend them. That he should claim the right of dispensing with the law, and affirm that, in regard to its observance, he was in the same condition with God,…
The Jews saw Jesus' claim that God was his "own Father" not just as a Sabbath violation, but as a direct declaration of divinity, equating himself with God in a way that was blasphemous to them. This wasn't a mere metaphor; they understood him to be asserting a unique, intrinsic relationship that placed him on par with the Almighty.
Following Jesus healing the man on the Sabbath, the religious leaders were already seeking to arrest him. But when Jesus responded by claiming his Father was still working and that he was too, they were further enraged. This led them to intensify their efforts to kill him, seeing his words as not only a violation of the Sabbath but also a blasphemous claim of equality with God.
Following Jesus healing the man on the Sabbath, the religious leaders were already seeking to arrest him. But when Jesus responded by claiming his Father was still working and that he was too, they were further enraged. This led them to intensify their efforts to kill him, seeing his words as not only a violation of the Sabbath but also a blasphemous claim of equality with God.
"This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God." — The Jews saw Jesus' claim that God was his "own Father" not just as a Sabbath violation, but as a direct declaration of divinity, equating himself with God in a way that was blasphemous to them. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026