How should John 7:22 influence our approach to religious customs today? Setting the Scene “‘Yet because Moses gave you circumcision (though it is not from Moses, but from the fathers), you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.’” – John 7:22 What Jesus Highlights - The Lord points to an accepted practice (circumcising on the Sabbath) that technically breaks Sabbath rest, yet is permitted to keep a higher, God-given covenant. - He exposes the inconsistency of accusing Him of Sabbath breaking when He heals a man—an act of restoring the whole person, which also fulfills God’s intent (John 7:23). Key Principles for Evaluating Customs - Scripture over custom: Any practice must sit under clear biblical teaching (Matthew 15:3). - Mercy and wholeness take priority: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). - Consistency matters: If we allow one exception for obedience to God, we should allow another that fulfills the same divine purpose. - The sign points to the substance: Circumcision anticipates the heart-work of God (Colossians 2:11). Traditions must never overshadow spiritual reality. Guidelines for Our Customs Today • Compare every custom to explicit Scripture. • Ask whether the custom serves love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). • Refuse legalism that elevates form over faith (Galatians 5:6). • Retain practices that clearly proclaim gospel truth (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Discard or reform any practice that hinders God’s mission or burdens His people (Acts 15:10-11). Living It Out - Hold traditions with open hands, Scripture with a firm grip. - Let mercy and the goal of human flourishing guide applications of God’s commands. - Celebrate customs that highlight Christ; release those that merely preserve human preference. By following John 7:22’s logic, we guard against empty ritual and pursue practices that genuinely honor the Lord and bless His people. |
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