Luke_14
Scripture
Luke 14:5-6 NLT
“Then he turned to them and said, “Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don’t you rush to get him out?” Again they could not answer.”
Observation-What does it say?
One Sabbath day, Jesus was having dinner at the home of one of the Pharisees. During this time, there was a man whose arms and legs were swollen. Jesus asked the Pharisees if the law permitted healing on the Sabbath. The Pharisees refused to answer the question. So Jesus touched and healed the man and sent the man on his way. Then Jesus basically asks the Pharisees if they saw someone in need of help, would they ignore them just because it was the Sabbath? Again the Pharisees has no response.
Understanding-What does it mean?
It’s all about God not us.
The Pharisees were real rule sticklers. They believed in order for them to become closer to God they needed to jump through these “spiritual hoops” or cross off certain things from their “spiritual checklist” in order to be holy. These Pharisees were supposed to be educated on God’s Word, know about all the prophecies about the Messiah, and truly know God’s character. Yet little did they know the Messiah, God in the flesh, had been living amongst them, right under their noses, all this time. They lost sight of God’s calling for them. To love thy neighbors, to love God with all their hearts, and to truly understand God’s character and His love for people. It became more about showing others how holy and righteous THEY were (by following these rules), rather than showing others how holy, righteous, and awesome GOD is. And that is what I believe Jesus was trying to show them here. Whether it was through helping or healing people, no matter what day it was, Jesus always glorified His Father in Heaven. God received all the glory for everything Jesus did. Jesus understood that one of the ways He can share the glory of God’s love to people, is by helping them. Shouldn’t I do the same?
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
Life Application
Share God’s love with someone in need today.
Father God, give me the heart you have for the lost. Give me your eyes to see them. Give me the courage and strength to follow through with obedience when your Holy Spirit directs me. May the work I do not bring light to me, but You. May the people around me catch a glimpse of You because of it. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi