👉 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important passage from John 5:16. It’s a really significant part of understanding how Jesus was viewed in his time. Here's a simple explanation: What it means: This verse tells us that Jewish people, who believed in the Old Testament law and traditions, were angry with Jesus because he had performed certain actions on the Sabbath (a day of rest). Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “John 5…” : This refers to the Gospel of John, which is part of the New Testament. “…did the Jews persecute him…” : This means that Jewish religious leaders and people weren't just annoyed; they actively sought to harm Jesus. They were determined to stop his teachings and actions. "...and sought to slay him…” : This is a direct statement of their anger – they wanted to kill him. "...because he had done these things on the sabbath day.” This is the crucial part. "The sabbath" in Jewish law meant a day of rest and holy observance. Jesus’ actions – like healing people, performing miracles, teaching, and even eating with those he loved – were considered to be outside of this sacred time. Jewish tradition believed that it was forbidden for Jesus to do these things on the Sabbath. In short: The Jewish community felt that Jesus' actions violated religious rules and traditions, leading them to want him dead. Why is this important? This event highlights a tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities at the time. It shows that even with his miracles and teachings, he was still considered a threat to their established beliefs and practices. It’s a crucial moment in understanding why Jesus was eventually arrested and condemned. Does it mean Jesus was truly innocent? That's a complex question! The Bible doesn't explicitly say Jesus was innocent. However, the verse suggests that his actions were seen as disruptive to Jewish law and tradition, which angered them significantly. Resources for further learning: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV/John%3A516](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV/John%3A516) The Gospel of John Explained: [https://www.thegospeljohnexplained.com/](https://www.thegospeljohnexplained.com/) Do you want to dive deeper into any specific aspect of this verse, like the context in which it happened or its significance within the New Testament?
