John 19:7
The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.
John 19:7
The Jews respond with a legalistic claim: they have a law and by that law he ought to die for making himself the Son of God. This accusation hinges on Jesus’ explicit claims about his identity, which the religious leaders interpret as blasphemy. The charge reveals how legal and theological categories intersect and collide.
Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is the central, divisive claim. The Jewish authorities’ adherence to law, while missing the deeper truth, points to humanity’s propensity to worship law as ultimate, rather than allowing the Lawgiver to reveal God’s heart. It also sets the stage for the crucifixion as a necessary redemptive act.
We should guard against worshiping rules over relationship with God. Practical steps: study Scripture to understand the Spirit of the Law, not just the letter; cultivate an inner life that seeks God’s presence above mere compliance; and be cautious of legalistic attitudes that condemn others without mercy.
Cross-References
- Romans 2:28-29
- John 5:39-40
- Galatians 5:14
- James 2:12