Topical Encyclopedia Blasphemy, in biblical terms, refers to the act of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, faced numerous accusations of blasphemy from religious leaders and others who misunderstood or rejected His divine nature and mission.Accusations of Blasphemy Against Jesus 1. Claiming to Forgive Sins: One of the earliest instances where Jesus was accused of blasphemy occurred when He forgave the sins of a paralytic man. The scribes and Pharisees questioned, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mark 2:7). Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, demonstrated His authority by healing the man, thereby affirming His divine prerogative to forgive sins. 2. Equality with God: In John 5:18, Jesus' claim of God as His Father was perceived as making Himself equal with God, which the Jewish leaders considered blasphemous. The verse states, "For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him; not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God" (John 5:18). 3. The "I Am" Statements: Jesus' use of the divine name "I Am" further incited accusations of blasphemy. In John 8:58, Jesus declared, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" (John 8:58). This statement echoed the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, leading the Jews to attempt to stone Him for what they perceived as blasphemy. 4. The Trial Before the Sanhedrin: During His trial, the high priest directly asked Jesus if He was the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus affirmed, "You have said it yourself," and added, "But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 26:64). The high priest tore his robes and declared, "He has blasphemed!" (Matthew 26:65), leading to the decision to seek His death. 5. The Crucifixion: Even as Jesus hung on the cross, He was mocked and challenged to save Himself if He truly was the Son of God. The chief priests, scribes, and elders taunted Him, saying, "He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him" (Matthew 27:42). Their mockery was rooted in their belief that His claims were blasphemous. Understanding the Accusations The accusations of blasphemy against Jesus were rooted in a misunderstanding of His identity and mission. The religious leaders of the time were unable to reconcile Jesus' humble earthly presence with the divine authority He claimed and demonstrated. Their rigid adherence to the law and traditions blinded them to the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies in Jesus Christ. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently revealed His divine nature through His teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Despite the accusations, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission to bring salvation to humanity, ultimately fulfilling the divine plan through His death and resurrection. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:25It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 22:64,65 1 Peter 4:14 Library Refutation of the Calumnies by which this Doctrine is Always ... Christ Life in Christ A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Letter cxx. To Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus, on Perseverance in the ... An Awful Contrast Trinity Sunday the Doctrine of the Trinity. The King on his Throne. Effectual Calling Resources Didn't the Old Testament punish blasphemy with death? How is that different from radical Islam? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the unpardonable sin / unforgivable sin? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30)? | GotQuestions.org Blasphemy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost Blasphemy of the Israelites, in Complaining Against God Blasphemy: Against the Holy Spirit, Unpardonable Blasphemy: Backslidden Ephesians Blasphemy: Charged Upon Christ Blasphemy: Charged Upon Saints Blasphemy: Christ Assailed With Blasphemy: Connected With Folly and Pride Blasphemy: False Indictments for of Naboth Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Falsely Accused of, Previously to his Trial Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Stephen Blasphemy: General Scriptures Concerning Blasphemy: Gives No Occasion For Blasphemy: Hypocrisy Counted As Blasphemy: Idolatry Counted As Blasphemy: Infidels, Who Used the Adultery of David As an Occasion to Blaspheme Blasphemy: Job's Wife, when She Exhorted Job to Curse God and Die Blasphemy: Peter, when Accused of Being a Disciple of Jesus Blasphemy: Proceeds from the Heart Blasphemy: Rabshakeh, in the Siege of Jerusalem Blasphemy: Saints Grieved to Hear Blasphemy: Shimei, in his Malice Toward David Blasphemy: The Depraved Son of Shelomith, Who, in an Altercation With an Israelite, Cursed God Blasphemy: The Revilers of Jesus, when he Was Crucified Blasphemy: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms |
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