What does John 7:21 mean?

Explanation

John 7:21, as spoken by Jesus, refers to a specific deed he performed that caused a marvel, or astonishment, among the people.

The verse serves to highlight the response of the onlookers to Jesus' actions, which, in this context, is one of surprise or disbelief.

The work referred to here is healing on the Sabbath; Jesus healed a man who had been infirm for 38 years on a Sabbath, as described earlier in the Gospel of John (John 5:1-9).

This act was controversial because performing any work on the Sabbath was considered a violation of Jewish law.

Jesus draws attention to this single deed to underscore a broader message about the nature of his mission and the incomprehension of the people who witness his miracles but do not understand their spiritual significance.

Historical Context

This verse is set during the Feast of Tabernacles, a Jewish festival held in the fall, celebrated with temporary shelters to commemorate the Israelites' wandering in the desert.

At this time, Jesus was in Jerusalem, engaging with the crowds and the religious leaders.

The Jewish leaders had already taken a hostile stance toward Jesus because he healed on the Sabbath.

The tension between Jesus and the Jewish leaders is an ongoing theme throughout the Gospel of John, representing a clash between Jesus' interpretation of the Law and the traditional Jewish understanding of the Sabbath commandment.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, John 7:21 could be seen as exemplifying the tension between the letter and the spirit of the law.

Where Jewish leaders were concerned with strict Sabbath observation, Jesus seemed to prioritize compassionate acts, suggesting a more profound legal understanding that transcends literal interpretation.

Some Christian theologians argue that Jesus' "one work" signifies his divine authority to interpret the Law, while others see it as proof of his messianic identity, demonstrating his power over illness and his willingness to challenge human-made boundaries for the sake of God's healing work.

Practical Applications

In modern times, John 7:21 can be taken to suggest that adherents to a faith should also consider the spirit behind their religious laws.

It may encourage Christians to look beyond the literal interpretation of religious guidelines and consider what is compassionate and merciful.

More broadly, it might also encourage individuals to question whether societal norms are always just or whether there is a higher principle of love and kindness that should guide one's actions.

Cross-References

• John 5:1-9: The account of Jesus healing the man on the Sabbath.
• Matthew 12:1-13: Jesus discusses the lawfulness of doing good on the Sabbath.
• Mark 2:27-28: Jesus speaks of the Sabbath being made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
• Luke 13:10-17: Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath and is criticized by religious leaders.

Language Study

The key words in John 7:21 include "answered" (ἀπεκρίθη), typically implying a response in a dialogue; "work" (ἔργον), which refers to an act or deed; and "marvel" (θαυμάζετε), meaning to wonder or be astonished.

The use of "work" is particularly significant because it underpins the conflict between Jesus and the Jewish authorities concerning what constitutes permissible activity on the Sabbath.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing to other ancient myths and religious practices, the Jewish Sabbath was unique in its strict cessation of work. Other cultures had days for worship or festivals but not always a regular weekly day of rest.

In contrast to many other religious figures in mythology who display power without conflict with existing religious laws, Jesus’ actions are distinctive because they both reveal his divine authority and challenge the established religious norms.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the miracle of healing, as discussed in John 7:21, does not align with our current understanding of medicine and the natural order.

Miracles, by definition, are events that seem to transcend the laws of nature; thus, they often invite skepticism from the scientific community.

The scientific method requires observable and repeatable evidence, and miracles like Jesus' healing on the Sabbath are neither.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians often focus on the controversy of Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath when interpreting John 7:21.

William Barclay notes the Jewish leaders' amazement not just at the act of healing but at Jesus's egalitarian approach to God's laws.

D.A.

Carson emphasizes that Jesus’ defense suggests a proper view of the Sabbath that includes mercy.

Many commentaries discuss the broader implications of Jesus' miracle and healing work, seeing it as a demonstration of his identity as the Son of God and the liberating nature of Jesus' ministry, which challenges religious legalism.