Expert: Brenda Martin - 5/22/2008

Question
Dear Brenda:
John says that Jesus broke the sabbath (John 5:18). Paul says that Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). How do I reconcile these two statements?

God Bless You,
Mike

Answer
"JOHN SAYS THAT JESUS BROKE THE SABBATH (JOHN 5:18)"

It was the unbelieving Jews who claimed that Jesus broke the Sabbath, but they were wrong. Jesus kept the Law perfectly, and he declared: “It is lawful to do good on the sabbath.”—Matt. 12:10-12, RS.

John is merely describing what the unbelieving Jews incorrectly thought Jesus meant; 1. That he was “making himself equal with God.” & 2. They also incorrectly accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath.—Compare Matthew 5:17-19.

"PAUL SAYS THAT JESUS NEVER SINNED (HEBREWS 4:15)"

Correct; Jesus died as an upholder of his heavenly Father’s sovereignty, giving proof that Satan the Devil had falsely charged that humans serve God only out of selfish motives. (Job 2:1-5) He died sinless.

All the best
Brenda