John 5:18

The Jewish leaders are extremely offended not only by what they perceive to be Jesus’ careless disregard for the sanctity of the Sabbath, but even more so for the audacity of calling God his Father and, in their eyes, making himself equal to the Almighty.  Their intentions toward Jesus become even more murderous.  John 5:18 EFP

The list of offenses against Jesus is growing daily. Steadily the disdain has turned to hatred and is quickly morphing into murderous intent.  Why?  In short, they fail to understand why Jesus violates the rules about the Sabbath by healing a person who has lived a life of bondage to a physical condition that prevents him from enjoying any semblance of a quality of life.  The life of a disabled person in those days is deplorable!  But how could they object to helping someone on the Sabbath?  They so narrowly define the Sabbath under the weight of rules that it no longer allows for humanitarian aid to someone in need.  A rule trumps a need.  A policy is more important that a person.  Inconceivable!

The second objection is even more outrageous.  They do not like the fact that Jesus calls God his Father.  What?  Seriously?  Are they not versed in Scripture?  King David refers to God as his Father at least two times (read Psalm 2:7 and Psalm 89:26).  Do they never address God as their father?  Is addressing God as King David does reserved for him alone? 

I cannot help but see the same narrow-minded mentality today, one that is willing to surrender the core of what it means to be Christian in the quest to defend what is often a point of disagreement on a doctrinal issue.  Enough of this!  I pray God gives me the wisdom to abandon a fight over a doctrinal point rather than belittle or berate a sincere child of God who may not see things as I do. I fear I may not find many who share this conviction.