But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.) But because Moses gave you circumcision,Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, as established in Genesis 17:10-14. Although the practice predates Moses, it was codified in the Mosaic Law, which the Israelites received at Mount Sinai. This phrase highlights the authority of Moses in Jewish tradition, as he is often seen as the lawgiver. The emphasis here is on the continuity of God's covenantal promises from Abraham through Moses, underscoring the importance of circumcision as a religious rite. Exo 12:48 If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate… you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath The act of circumcision on the eighth day after birth, even if it falls on the Sabbath, demonstrates the precedence of covenantal obligations over Sabbath restrictions. This practice illustrates the Jewish understanding that certain commandments, such as circumcision, are so vital that they override the Sabbath rest. This reflects the broader principle in Jewish law that life-preserving and covenant-affirming acts are permissible on the Sabbath. Luk 2:21 When the eight days before His circumcision had passed,… (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.) This parenthetical note clarifies that circumcision originated with the patriarchs, specifically Abraham, rather than with Moses. It serves to remind the audience of the ancient roots of this practice, which predates the Mosaic Law. By referencing the patriarchs, the text connects the practice of circumcision to the foundational figures of Israel's faith, emphasizing its deep historical and theological significance. This distinction also highlights the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people from the time of the patriarchs through the Mosaic era. Gen 17:9-14 God also said to Abraham, “You must keep My covenant—… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, Moses is traditionally credited with giving the Law to the Israelites, including the practice of circumcision, although Jesus clarifies that circumcision predates Moses. 2. The Patriarchs Referring to the forefathers of the Israelite nation, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Circumcision was first commanded by God to Abraham as a sign of the covenant. 3. The Sabbath A day of rest and worship observed by the Jewish people, as commanded in the Ten Commandments. It is a day set apart for rest and spiritual reflection. 4. Circumcision A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, practiced by the Jewish people as a religious rite. 5. Jesus The speaker in this passage, addressing the Jewish leaders and crowds, challenging their understanding of the Law and its application. Teaching Points Understanding the Law's IntentJesus highlights the importance of understanding the spirit and intent behind God's commandments, rather than adhering to them in a legalistic manner. The Priority of Covenant The practice of circumcision on the Sabbath underscores the priority of God's covenantal relationship with His people over ritualistic observance. Balancing Tradition and Compassion Believers are encouraged to balance adherence to religious traditions with compassion and understanding, as Jesus exemplified. Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law Jesus' teachings often reveal how He fulfills and transcends the Law, pointing to a deeper, more relational understanding of God's commands. Reflecting on Personal Practices Christians are called to reflect on their own religious practices, ensuring they align with the heart of God's commandments and the example of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the origin of circumcision as a covenantal sign with the patriarchs, rather than just a Mosaic law, change our perspective on its significance?2. In what ways can we apply Jesus' teaching on the Sabbath and circumcision to our own observance of religious practices today? 3. How does Jesus' approach to the Law challenge us to think about the balance between tradition and compassion in our daily lives? 4. What are some modern-day examples where we might prioritize religious rules over the underlying principles of love and mercy? 5. How can we ensure that our understanding and application of Scripture align with the heart and intent of God's commandments, as demonstrated by Jesus? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 17This chapter details God's covenant with Abraham, where circumcision is established as a sign of the covenant, highlighting its origin before the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 12:3 This verse commands the circumcision of male infants on the eighth day, which sometimes falls on the Sabbath, illustrating the precedence of covenantal signs over Sabbath restrictions. Matthew 12:1-8 Jesus discusses the Sabbath with the Pharisees, emphasizing mercy and the spirit of the Law over strict legalism, similar to His argument in John 7:22. People David, Jerusalemites, Jesus, NicodemusPlaces Galilee, Jerusalem, JudeaTopics Actually, Boy, Child, Circumcise, Circumcision, Consider, Earlier, Fathers, Forefathers, Patriarchs, Reason, Rite, Sabbath, ThoughDictionary of Bible Themes John 7:22 5078 Abraham, significance Library September 13 MorningIf any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.--JOHN 7:37. My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.--O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path June 9 Morning July 30 Evening One Saying with Two Meanings The Rock and the Water Fifteenth Day. The Holy Spirit. The Transfiguration: an Emergency Measure. Matthew 16:28-17:1-8. Mark 9:1-8. Luke 9:27-36. On the Words of the Gospel of John vii. 6, Etc. , Where Jesus Said that He was not Going up unto the Feast, and Notwithstanding Went Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount "Let any Man Come. " Author's Preface. Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection. Want of Universality in the Knowledge and Reception of Christianity, and of Greater Clearness in the Evidence. Our Historical Scriptures were Attacked by the Early Adversaries of Christianity... Rejection of Christianity. In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus' Brothers Advise Him to Go to Jerusalem. The Story of the Adulteress. How to Know the Will of God In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast' The Journey to Jerusalem - Chronological Arrangement of the Last Part of the Gospel-Narratives - First Incidents by the Way. At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple Links John 7:22 NIVJohn 7:22 NLT John 7:22 ESV John 7:22 NASB John 7:22 KJV John 7:22 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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