John 5:18 – “For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”

Extended Explanation

This verse reveals the growing hostility of the Jewish religious leaders toward Jesus. They were already upset that He healed a man on the Sabbath, but now their anger escalates because Jesus has made an even more shocking claim—He calls God His Father, making Himself equal with God.

The religious leaders understood exactly what Jesus was saying. He wasn’t just calling God “Father” in the general sense that all Jews might recognize. He was claiming a unique, personal relationship with God—one that placed Him on the same level as the Father. To them, this was blasphemy, a direct challenge to their understanding of God’s nature.

This verse is a key moment in John’s Gospel because it confirms that Jesus openly declared His divine identity. He was not merely a prophet or a good teacher—He was claiming equality with God Himself.

Historical Context

In Jewish tradition, referring to God as “Father” was not uncommon, but it was usually done in a collective sense, as in “Our Father” (Isaiah 63:16). However, Jesus’ words were different. He was not saying that He was just another child of God; He was declaring a unique and intimate relationship with the Father.

The charge of “breaking the Sabbath” was based on extra rules the Jewish leaders had added to God’s law. The Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and worship, but over time, religious leaders had created a list of regulations that turned it into a burden rather than a blessing. By healing on the Sabbath and then defending His actions, Jesus was challenging their entire religious system.

Blasphemy was a serious charge under Jewish law (Leviticus 24:16). Anyone claiming to be equal with God could face the death penalty. This is why the leaders began plotting to kill Jesus—because they understood that He was claiming divine status.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus Clearly Claims to Be God – Some argue that Jesus never said He was God, but this verse shows that the religious leaders understood His words as a claim to divinity.
2. Religious Legalism Blinds People to Truth – The leaders were so focused on their Sabbath rules that they ignored the fact that a miracle had taken place. They valued their traditions more than the presence of God among them.
3. Opposition to Jesus is Inevitable – Jesus’ mission was always going to face resistance because He challenged human pride, sin, and false religion.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often builds tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, and this verse marks a turning point. Before this, they were upset with Him. Now, they want Him dead.

The phrase “all the more to kill him” shows that this was not just an emotional reaction—it was a calculated decision. Jesus’ claim of divine sonship was unacceptable to them, so they saw Him as a threat that needed to be eliminated.

The words “making himself equal with God” are key. John does not present Jesus as misunderstood. He presents Him as fully aware of what He is saying, and the Jewish leaders correctly understand that He is claiming divinity.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 20:8-11 – The command to keep the Sabbath, which the religious leaders misinterpreted.
• Leviticus 24:16 – The Old Testament law on blasphemy, explaining why they wanted to kill Jesus.
• John 10:30-33 – Another moment where Jesus says, “I and the Father are one,” and the Jews try to stone Him for blasphemy.
• Philippians 2:6 – Paul writes that Jesus, “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is crucial because it confirms that Jesus was not just a moral teacher or religious leader—He was God in the flesh. Many people today try to say that Jesus never claimed to be God, but this passage clearly shows otherwise.

It also reminds us that following Jesus often leads to opposition. Just as the religious leaders rejected Him, people today still resist His truth. Standing for Christ may come with rejection, but we must hold firm to the truth of who He is.

Additionally, this verse warns us against religious legalism. The religious leaders were so focused on their rules that they completely missed the work of God. We must be careful not to let traditions or man-made expectations get in the way of a true relationship with Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in Jesus’ willingness to make Himself known, even though He knew it would lead to persecution. He did not hide the truth about His identity; instead, He boldly proclaimed it so that people could have eternal life through Him.

This also shows that God’s love is personal. Jesus was not just a distant deity—He came to be with us, to reveal the Father’s love, and to make salvation possible. Even when people rejected Him, He continued His mission out of love for the world.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus’ claim of equality with God is at the heart of the Gospel. If He were just a prophet, His death would have no power to save us. But because He is God, His sacrifice on the cross has the power to take away sin.

• John 1:1-3 – Jesus is described as the eternal Word who was with God and was God.
• John 14:9 – Jesus tells Philip, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
• Colossians 1:15-17 – Jesus is the image of the invisible God and the one who holds all things together.
• Hebrews 1:3 – Jesus is the exact representation of God’s being.

This verse confirms that the identity of Jesus is not just a side issue—it is the foundation of our faith.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why did the religious leaders react so strongly to Jesus calling God His Father?
2. How does this verse help answer the question of whether Jesus claimed to be God?
3. What does this passage teach us about religious legalism and the danger of missing the bigger picture?
4. Have you ever faced resistance or opposition for standing up for Jesus? How did you respond?
5. How does Jesus’ claim of equality with God shape our understanding of salvation and the Gospel?

This verse challenges us to take Jesus at His word. He claimed to be equal with God—so we must decide whether we will believe Him and follow Him, or reject Him like the religious leaders did. The choice is ours.