NOTE.—They were angry because, notwithstanding the fact that by the miracle performed Christ had given evidence that He was from God, He had shown no respect for _their views of Sabbath-keeping_, but, on the contrary, had shown these to be _wrong_. Wounded pride, obstinacy, and malice, therefore, combined to fill them with _madness_; and they went out immediately and held council with the Herodians,—their political enemies with whom they disagreed in the matter of paying tribute to a foreign power,—for the purpose of accomplishing His death. 7. Because Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath day, and told him to take up his bed and walk, what did the Jews do? “Therefore did the Jews _persecute Jesus_, and _sought to slay Him_, because He had done these things on the Sabbath day.” John 5:16. NOTE.—It is a fact worthy of note that over the question of proper Sabbath observance the Jews not only _persecuted_ Jesus, but _first took counsel to kill Him_. Not the least of the malice which finally culminated in His crucifixion, was engendered over this very question of Sabbath observance. Christ did not keep the Sabbath according to their ideas of Sabbath-keeping, and so they sought to kill Him. And they are not alone. Many today are cherishing this same spirit. Because some do not agree with their ideas regarding the Sabbath, or Sabbath observance, they seek to persecute and oppress them,—seek laws, and alliances with political powers, to compel respect for their views. 8. How did Jesus answer them? “But Jesus answered them, _My Father worketh hitherto, and I work_.” Verse 17. NOTE.—The ordinary operations of nature, as manifested in God’s almighty, upholding, beneficent, and healing power, go on on the Sabbath the same as on other days; and to cooperate with God and nature in the work of healing, relieving, and restoring on the Sabbath, cannot, therefore, be out of harmony with God’s will, nor a violation of His Sabbath law. 9. What effect did this answer have upon the Jews? “Therefore the Jews _sought the more to kill Him_, because He not only had broken the Sabbath [i.e., in their estimation], but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.” Verse 18. 10. Because the disciples plucked a few ears of corn on the Sabbath day to satisfy hunger, what accusation did the Pharisee make against them to Christ? “And the Pharisees said unto Him, _Behold, why do they on the Sabbath day that which is not lawful?_” Mark 2:24. 11. What was Christ’s reply?