John 7:22 – “Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath.”

Extended Explanation

In John 7:22, Jesus continues His argument against the religious leaders who were criticizing Him for healing a man on the Sabbath (John 7:21). He points out their hypocrisy by referring to their own practices.

The Jews followed the command of circumcision, which was first given to Abraham (Genesis 17:10-12) and later reaffirmed in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 12:3). According to the law, a male child had to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth—even if that day fell on the Sabbath. The religious leaders accepted this practice as lawful, even though it involved “work” on the Sabbath.

Jesus is exposing their double standard. If it was acceptable to circumcise a boy on the Sabbath to uphold the covenant with God, then why was it wrong for Jesus to heal someone on the Sabbath? Both circumcision and healing were acts of restoration—one marking a child as part of God’s covenant, the other restoring a man to health. Yet, the religious leaders saw healing as a violation of the Sabbath while accepting circumcision.

By bringing this up, Jesus shows that their opposition to Him was not truly about keeping the Sabbath. It was about rejecting Him. They were willing to make exceptions for their traditions but unwilling to acknowledge the greater work God was doing through Jesus.

Historical Context

Circumcision was a fundamental part of Jewish identity. It was first commanded by God to Abraham (Genesis 17) and later included in the Law of Moses. Every Jewish male had to be circumcised on the eighth day, even if that day fell on the Sabbath. This showed that some laws were considered more important than strict Sabbath rules.

The Jewish leaders had developed many additional regulations about what was and wasn’t allowed on the Sabbath. Healing, in their eyes, was considered “work” and therefore unlawful. However, they allowed circumcision because they viewed it as essential to their religious practice.

By pointing this out, Jesus is challenging their inconsistency. If they believed it was right to do something for God on the Sabbath (circumcision), then why were they rejecting an even greater act of restoration—healing a man?

This moment occurs during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, where large crowds were gathered. Jesus is directly confronting the religious authorities in public, exposing their flawed reasoning.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights a major truth: God’s commandments are about restoration, not empty rule-following. The Sabbath was meant to be a blessing, not a burden. If circumcision (which involves physical cutting) was allowed on the Sabbath, how much more should healing (which restores life) be permitted?

It also exposes the danger of legalism. The religious leaders were so focused on their rules that they failed to recognize the heart of God’s law—love, mercy, and healing. They were following traditions but missing the true purpose behind them.

This verse also reinforces Jesus’ divine authority. He is showing that He understands the Law better than the religious leaders do. More than that, He is revealing that He has the authority to interpret and fulfill it.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often presents contrast between outward religion and true faith. This verse is another example.

• “Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision” – Jesus begins by acknowledging their tradition but immediately corrects their misunderstanding. Circumcision did not originate with Moses; it began with Abraham.
• “(though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs)” – Jesus clarifies that this command existed before the Law of Moses, meaning it had greater priority than the rules about the Sabbath.
• “You circumcise a boy on the Sabbath” – This is the key argument. The religious leaders allowed this act, even though it involved work, because they saw it as important. Jesus is forcing them to consider why healing should be any different.

John frequently shows Jesus correcting religious leaders, not by rejecting the Law but by revealing its true meaning. This verse fits into that pattern.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 17:10-12 – “This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised… on the eighth day.” The command to circumcise began with Abraham.
• Leviticus 12:3 – “On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised.” Circumcision was later included in the Law of Moses.
• John 5:8-9 – “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ At once the man was cured.” The healing Jesus refers to in John 7:22.
• Matthew 12:11-12 – “He said to them, ‘If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep!’” Jesus often used logic to show that doing good on the Sabbath was lawful.
• Mark 2:27 – “Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’” Jesus teaches that the Sabbath is meant to be a blessing, not a rigid rule.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that true faith is not about following religious rules for the sake of tradition—it is about understanding the heart of God. The religious leaders were so caught up in their rituals that they missed what really mattered.

As believers, we must be careful not to fall into the same trap. It’s easy to become so focused on religious routines that we forget why we follow God in the first place. Jesus teaches us that God’s commands are meant to bring life and restoration, not just external compliance.

This verse also encourages us to challenge hypocrisy in our own lives. Are there areas where we justify bending the rules for our own benefit while judging others for doing the same? Jesus calls us to examine our hearts and seek true righteousness, not just outward appearances.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His desire for restoration. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant, marking God’s people as His own. Healing was a demonstration of His mercy, restoring what was broken. Both acts reveal God’s heart—to bring people back into relationship with Him.

This verse also shows God’s patience. Instead of immediately condemning the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, Jesus reasons with them. He gives them a chance to see the truth. That same patience extends to us today. God does not rush to punish us for our misunderstandings—He lovingly calls us to deeper understanding.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the fulfillment of everything circumcision symbolized. In the Old Testament, circumcision was a sign of being part of God’s covenant people. In the New Testament, Paul explains that true circumcision is not of the flesh but of the heart (Romans 2:29). Jesus came to bring that inner transformation.

This verse also highlights Jesus’ role as the true interpreter of the Law. He did not abolish the Sabbath—He revealed its true purpose. Just as He fulfilled the Law through His life and ministry, He would ultimately fulfill it through His death and resurrection, bringing the ultimate healing from sin.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the religious leaders were willing to circumcise on the Sabbath but not allow healing?
2. How can we avoid becoming legalistic in our own faith?
3. Are there traditions or religious practices that sometimes distract from the true heart of following God?
4. How does Jesus’ response challenge us to think differently about God’s commands?
5. What are some ways you can focus more on God’s desire for restoration rather than just following religious routines?

John 7:22 is a powerful reminder that God’s laws are meant to bring life, not just rules to follow. Jesus challenges us to look beyond traditions and see the deeper truth—God is always working to restore and heal.