The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely. If he healed the man's hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.
But Jesus knew their thoughts. He said to the man with the deformed hand, "Come and stand in front of everyone." So the man came forward. Then Jesus said to his critics, "I have a question for you. Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?"
—Luke 6:7-9 NLT
According to the tradition of the religious folks in Jesus' day, if something wasn't life-threatening, then that need could wait until after the Sabbath. [1] Jesus saw the situation differently: Not doing what you can do to bless someone in need is doing harm or destroying a life. We are not sure if we will get tomorrow, so we'd better do that thing to bless others when we have the chance. It may not come again. Jesus' example reminds us that to do good for someone is always the right thing to do and even trumps legalistic religious rules and procedures every time! [2]
[1] However, Jesus knew that they violated their own traditions, even for their animals (Luke 13:14-16; Luke 14:1-6 NKJV).
[2] Mark 2:27-28.
Give me eyes to see the opportunities to bless others today and each day, O LORD, and the commitment to act on those opportunities. Help that spiritual vision and commitment to endure in me until you bring me home. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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But Jesus knew their thoughts. He said to the man with the deformed hand, "Come and stand in front of everyone." So the man came forward. Then Jesus said to his critics, "I have a question for you. Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?"
—Luke 6:7-9 NLT
Key Thought
According to the tradition of the religious folks in Jesus' day, if something wasn't life-threatening, then that need could wait until after the Sabbath. [1] Jesus saw the situation differently: Not doing what you can do to bless someone in need is doing harm or destroying a life. We are not sure if we will get tomorrow, so we'd better do that thing to bless others when we have the chance. It may not come again. Jesus' example reminds us that to do good for someone is always the right thing to do and even trumps legalistic religious rules and procedures every time! [2]
[1] However, Jesus knew that they violated their own traditions, even for their animals (Luke 13:14-16; Luke 14:1-6 NKJV).
[2] Mark 2:27-28.
Today's Prayer
Give me eyes to see the opportunities to bless others today and each day, O LORD, and the commitment to act on those opportunities. Help that spiritual vision and commitment to endure in me until you bring me home. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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