BLASPHEMY
Blasphemy has a wider meaning. It can be someone claiming himself as a god. That was an accusation against Jesus by the Jewish leaders. Blasphemy can mean irreverence to God, insulting God’s representative, desecrating a sacred place or object, idolatry, or arrogance by denying faith in God. This offense is discussed in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting its severity and the far-reaching implications for one’s faith and actions.
BLASPHEMY IN THE BIBLE
In the Old Testament, blasphemy was defined as speaking in a sacrilegious manner about God. God instructed Moses, “Tell the Israelites: Anyone who blasphemes against God shall bear the penalty; whoever utters the name of the LORD in a curse shall be put to death” (Lev 24:15-16). This severity towards blasphemy is exemplified in Leviticus 24:10-23, where a man was stoned to death for blaspheming God’s name.
In the New Testament, the concept of blasphemy extends to rejecting the Holy Spirit. Jesus states in Matthew 12:31, “Therefore, I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” An all-encompassing understanding suggests that the continuous rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work is unforgivable.
ACCUSATION OF BLASPHEMY AGAINST JESUS
Jesus was often accused of blasphemy by the religious leaders of His time, especially when He spoke about His divine identity.
1. Claiming Divinity: In John 10:30-33, Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” The Jews responded by picking up stones to stone Him, claiming, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.”
2. Forgiving Sins: In Mark 2:5-7, Jesus forgives the sins of a paralytic, prompting the teachers of the law to accuse Him of blasphemy, reasoning, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?”
3. Trial and Crucifixion: During His trial, the high priest asked Jesus if He was the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus affirmed, “You have said so,” leading the high priest to accuse Him of blasphemy and seek His death (Mt 26:63-66).
A crucial point arrived when Jesus identified Himself as “I am,” echoing the divine name disclosed to Moses at the burning bush (Ex 3:14). In John 8:56-59, Jesus stated, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” The Jews attempted to stone Him because they saw His claim as divine, which they believed to be blasphemous and punishable by death.
Blasphemy was the main charge against Jesus during his trial. When the high priest asked, “Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed One?” Jesus replied, “I am; and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of Heaven” (Mk 14:61-62). Jesus affirmed His identity as the Messiah and invoked the divine name by saying “I am,” thus linking Himself directly with God. By tearing his clothes and declaring it blasphemy, the high priest sealed Jesus’ fate (Mk 14:63-64).
REFLECTION
The accusations of blasphemy against Jesus and His responses offer several important lessons:
1. Affirmation of Jesus’ Divinity: The accusations highlight the central Christian belief in Jesus’ divine nature. His statements and actions consistently affirmed His identity as the Son of God, a foundational truth for Christian faith.
2. Seriousness of Rejecting the Holy Spirit: Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit highlights the seriousness of rejecting God’s truth and underscores the importance of embracing His grace.
3. Steadfastness in Faith: Jesus’ trial and crucifixion underscore the cost of standing firm in faith and truth. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, even in the face of misunderstanding, false accusations, or persecution.
4. Reverence for God: The biblical treatment of blasphemy calls for deep reverence and respect for God. Believers are urged to honor God in their speech, actions, and attitudes.
In conclusion, the concept of blasphemy in the Bible, the accusations against Jesus, and His responses invite believers to recognize His divine authority, embrace the truth of His message, and live lives marked by reverence, faith, and integrity.