How does John 7:22 highlight the importance of understanding Old Testament laws? Setting the scene John 7 finds Jesus teaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. Religious leaders are outraged that He healed a lame man on the Sabbath (John 5). In response, Jesus points to their own handling of circumcision, showing that a right grasp of Old Testament law reveals the consistency of God’s commands and the priority of mercy. Reading John 7:22 “Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the fathers), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath.” Key observations from the verse • “Moses gave you circumcision” ties the rite to the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 12:3). • “Not…from Moses, but from the fathers” reaches back to Abraham (Genesis 17:9–14), underscoring that circumcision predates Sinai. • “You circumcise a boy on the Sabbath” shows the leaders already prioritize one divine command over another when necessary. What circumcision teaches about Old Testament laws • Continuity across covenants – God’s covenant sign with Abraham was affirmed, not replaced, by Moses. – Understanding that unity prevents setting Scripture against itself. • Hierarchy and purpose – Both Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:8-11) and circumcision are literal commands, yet circumcision overrides Sabbath when the eighth day falls on a Sabbath. – This reveals God’s intent: covenant identity and mercy supersede ceremonial restriction. • Necessity of precise knowledge – Misunderstanding one law (Sabbath) can lead to condemning righteous acts (healing). – Right doctrine guards against legalism and protects compassion (Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:8). Why Jesus brings up the Sabbath • He exposes inconsistent judgment: if the leaders accept surgical cutting on the Sabbath, why object to His restoring an entire body (John 7:23)? • He affirms the literal authority of both laws, then interprets them harmoniously—a model for handling apparent tensions in Scripture. Lessons for believers today • Study the whole counsel of God – Trace commands from their origins to their fulfillment (Matthew 5:17). • Recognize God’s consistent character – Law and grace are never at odds; both reveal His holiness and love. • Avoid selective obedience – Holding to one verse while ignoring its context breeds hypocrisy (Matthew 23:23). • Let mercy guide application – Genuine obedience promotes life and wholeness, never burdens for their own sake (Mark 2:27). Conclusion John 7:22 challenges us to know Old Testament laws accurately so we can honor God’s intent, discern rightful priorities, and extend Christ-like mercy without compromising the literal truth of Scripture. |
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