John 5:18
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)
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Jesus didn't just claim to break the Sabbath; the Jews understood he was claiming the authority to redefine its very purpose, just like God himself. His declaration that God was his "own Father" wasn't a statement of kinship, but a profound assertion of co-equality with God in continuous work.
Jesus had just healed a man on the Sabbath, and when challenged, he declared, "My Father is working until now, and I am working." This bold statement, claiming a divine right to work on the Sabbath and identifying God as his "own Father," escalated the hostility of the Jewish leaders. They saw his words not just as a Sabbath infraction, but as blasphemy, an assertion of equality with God, which intensified their desire to kill him.
The religious leaders were furious, but what exactly were the core charges against Jesus? It wasn't just one thing, but a dangerous combination.
The text in John 5:18 highlights two major offenses that fueled the Jews' anger towards Jesus:
1. Sabbath Violation
They accused Jesus of 'breaking the Sabbath.' This wasn't about a minor infraction; in their view, Jesus was undermining the very authority and law of the Sabbath. They saw His actions, like healing on the Sabbath, as a direct defiance of God's command for rest.
2. Claiming Divinity
Even more serious to them was Jesus calling God 'His own Father.' This wasn't just a spiritual connection; the text emphasizes that they understood this as Jesus making Himself 'equal with God.' This claim, in their eyes, was the ultimate blasphemy, carrying the death penalty according to their law.
Jesus didn't just claim to have a Father; He spoke of a unique relationship. What did 'His own Father' truly mean to Him and to His accusers?
The phrase 'calling God His own Father' was the critical point of contention.
A Peculiar Sonship
The religious leaders understood that when Jesus said 'My Father,' He meant something distinct from how they or any other person related to God. They recognized He was claiming a unique, inherent, and special relationship – not just a spiritual sonship shared by believers, but a status that implied being God's own Son in a way no one else was.
The Divine Parallel
This claim was inextricably linked to His actions. Jesus' response to their anger was, 'My Father is working hitherto, and I am working' (John 5:17). He drew a direct parallel between God's continuous work and His own work of healing. This wasn't just about breaking the Sabbath; it was about claiming the same divine prerogative as God Himself. The Jews correctly interpreted this as Jesus asserting equality with God, a claim they found utterly unacceptable.
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 intensity of the Jewish leaders' desire to kill Jesus stemmed not just from a perceived violation of the Sabbath, but from Jesus's unique claim to be the Son of God, which they interpreted as blasphemy and a direct challenge to God's authority.
c. 28 AD— this verse
Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath
Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath day. This act directly leads to the confrontation described in John 5.
c. 28 AD
Jesus's Claim of Divine Authority
In response to accusations of Sabbath-breaking, Jesus declares, "My Father is working still, and I also am working." This statement is interpreted by the Jews as a claim to equality with God.
c. 28 AD
Jewish Leaders' Escalating Hostility
The Jewish leaders' anger intensifies due to Jesus's perceived violation of the Sabbath and his claim of a unique relationship with God, leading them to seek His death.
c. 28-30 AD
Growing Opposition in Galilee
Following the incident at Bethesda, opposition to Jesus grows in Galilee, with Pharisees continuing to challenge His actions and teachings, particularly concerning the Sabbath and His authority.
This passage speaks to humanity being made in God's image, establishing a unique relationship. Jesus' claim of being God's 'own Father' directly relates to this inherent, divine connection, elevating His Sonship beyond ordinary human understanding.
Exodus 31:12-17The strict commandment regarding Sabbath observance in Exodus highlights the gravity with which the Jews viewed its violation. Jesus' actions and defense in John 5 directly challenge their rigid interpretation, framing His work on the Sabbath as divine work that supersedes their rules.
Philippians 2:5-8This passage describes Christ's humility in not 'considering equality with God something to be grasped,' but emptying Himself. It provides a parallel to the Jews' accusation of Jesus making Himself equal with God, offering a theological counterpoint to their charge.
John 10:30-33In this earlier passage, Jesus explicitly states, 'I and the Father are one,' leading the Jews to pick up stones to stone Him for blasphemy. This directly echoes the accusation in John 5:18, showing a consistent pattern of Jesus claiming divine unity and the Jews reacting with lethal anger.
Hebrews 1:3This verse describes Jesus as 'the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature,' and upholding all things by his word. It supports Jesus' assertion of His divine working, aligning with the Jews' perception that He was making Himself equal with God.
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,…
Jesus didn't just claim to break the Sabbath; the Jews understood he was claiming the authority to redefine its very purpose, just like God himself. His declaration that God was his "own Father" wasn't a statement of kinship, but a profound assertion of co-equality with God in continuous work.
Jesus had just healed a man on the Sabbath, and when challenged, he declared, "My Father is working until now, and I am working." This bold statement, claiming a divine right to work on the Sabbath and identifying God as his "own Father," escalated the hostility of the Jewish leaders. They saw his words not just as a Sabbath infraction, but as blasphemy, an assertion of equality with God, which intensified their desire to kill him.
Jesus had just healed a man on the Sabbath, and when challenged, he declared, "My Father is working until now, and I am working." This bold statement, claiming a divine right to work on the Sabbath and identifying God as his "own Father," escalated the hostility of the Jewish leaders. They saw his words not just as a Sabbath infraction, but as blasphemy, an assertion of equality with God, which intensified their desire to kill him.
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Jesus knew His words would ignite fury and endanger His life. Why did He press the issue instead of backing down?
The response from Jesus, and the reaction of the Jews, reveals a profound principle about standing for truth.
Unwavering Declaration
Instead of retracting His words or softening His claim to appease the crowd, Jesus doubled down. He didn't deny their interpretation; in fact, the text suggests He intended them to understand His unique relationship with the Father and His divine authority. He was willing to face their hostility because the truth of His identity and mission was paramount.
The Fault Lies with the Sinner
The commentators note that the 'fault is not in the truth, but in the sinner.' The Jews' rage wasn't a sign that Jesus was wrong, but a testament to their hardened hearts and resistance to God's revelation. Jesus, in His wisdom, presented a truth so profound that it exposed their deep-seated opposition to God's own Son.
A Pattern for Disciples
This serves as a powerful example for believers: we are not called to compromise truth to avoid conflict or ensure our own safety. While we should act with wisdom and love, the ultimate priority is to faithfully declare who Jesus is and what He has done, even when it's difficult.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Teaches on True Authority
Jesus continues to teach and perform miracles, often directly addressing the authority of His actions and His divine identity, further polarizing His audience.
c. 30 AD
Final Confrontation and Crucifixion
The escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities culminates in His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, fulfilling the deadly intentions that arose from incidents like the one at Bethesda.
"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." — Jesus didn't just claim to break the Sabbath; the Jews understood he was claiming the authority to redefine its very purpose, just like God himself. His declaration that God was his "own Father" wa…
