John 7:19

Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps it. Why are you trying to kill Me?"

Study Bible

Has not Moses given you the law?
This phrase begins with a rhetorical question that Jesus poses to the Jewish leaders and the crowd. The reference to "Moses" is significant because Moses is a central figure in Jewish history and tradition, revered as the lawgiver who received the Torah from God on Mount Sinai. The Greek word used here for "given" is "δίδωμι" (didōmi), which implies a gift or a grant. The law, or "νόμος" (nomos), is not merely a set of rules but a divine covenant that was meant to guide the Israelites in their relationship with God and with each other. Jesus is reminding them of the sacredness and the divine origin of the law, which they claim to uphold.

Yet not one of you keeps the law
Here, Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and the people. The phrase "not one of you" is an indictment of their collective failure to live according to the law's true intent. The Greek word for "keeps" is "ποιέω" (poieō), which means to do, to make, or to practice. It suggests an active, ongoing observance, not just a superficial adherence. Jesus is pointing out that despite their outward appearance of piety, they are not truly living in accordance with the law's deeper moral and spiritual demands. This echoes the prophetic tradition found in the Old Testament, where God, through the prophets, often rebuked Israel for their failure to live righteously despite their religious observances.

Why are you trying to kill Me?
This question highlights the growing tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities. The Greek word for "trying" is "ζητέω" (zēteō), which means to seek or to strive for. It indicates a deliberate and determined effort to bring about Jesus' death. The irony here is profound: those who claim to uphold the law, which commands "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), are plotting to kill an innocent man. This question exposes the depth of their moral and spiritual blindness. Jesus, who embodies the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, is being rejected by those who should have recognized Him. This moment foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus will make, laying down His life for the very people who seek to kill Him, fulfilling the law through His love and grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses is the lawgiver who received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. He represents the Law, which is foundational to Jewish religious life.

2. The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law, which includes the commandments and regulations given to the Israelites. It is a covenant between God and His people, meant to guide their moral and spiritual conduct.

3. Jesus
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the Jewish leaders and the crowd. He is the Messiah, the fulfillment of the Law, and the one who exposes the hypocrisy of those who claim to uphold the Law.

4. Jewish Leaders
The religious authorities who are responsible for teaching and enforcing the Law. They are often depicted in the Gospels as opposing Jesus and His teachings.

5. The Crowd
The people gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish festival. They are witnesses to the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders.

Teaching Points

The Purpose of the Law
The Law was given to guide God's people and reveal His standards of holiness. It serves as a mirror to show humanity's need for a Savior.

Human Inability to Keep the Law
Jesus highlights the inability of the people to keep the Law perfectly, pointing to the need for grace and redemption through Him.

Hypocrisy and True Righteousness
Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who claim to uphold the Law but fail to live by its principles. True righteousness comes from a heart aligned with God's will.

The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law, embodying its principles and offering a new covenant through His life, death, and resurrection.

The Danger of Legalism
Focusing solely on the letter of the Law without understanding its spirit leads to legalism, which can blind individuals to the truth of the Gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the role of Moses and the Law help us appreciate Jesus' mission and message in John 7:19?

2. In what ways do we see the struggle to keep the Law reflected in our own lives, and how does this point us to our need for Jesus?

3. How can we guard against hypocrisy in our own spiritual lives, ensuring that our actions align with our beliefs?

4. What does it mean for Jesus to fulfill the Law, and how does this impact our understanding of the Old and New Testaments?

5. How can we apply the lessons from John 7:19 to avoid legalism and embrace the grace offered through Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 5:17-20
Jesus speaks about fulfilling the Law, emphasizing that He did not come to abolish it but to fulfill it. This highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.

Romans 3:20
Paul explains that the Law makes us aware of sin, underscoring the idea that no one can perfectly keep the Law, which is a point Jesus makes in John 7:19.

Acts 7:53
Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of not keeping the Law, similar to Jesus' accusation, showing a consistent theme of hypocrisy among the leaders.