Daily Devotional for Tuesday, March 17

The Lord of the Sabbath

“And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?” Luke 14:3.

An elderly couple wanted to grant a private scholarship to a deserving graduate. Eligibility was based on character, not academics. To choose their student, they needed to observe him or her. They began inviting students eight at a time to have dinner in their home. Some accepted the invitation, and some ignored it. If they only knew! Those who attended enjoyed a delightful evening, great food, amazing life stories and sweet hospitality. The couple watched the students and noted their manners, interactions, aspirations and character. By spring break, fifty-eight students had dined with them. The couple narrowed their choice to four students. They contacted teachers, pastors, dance instructors, coaches—various adults in their lives—to gather more information, and they made their choice.

Jesus was invited to a Sabbath dinner at a leading Pharisee’s house; however, He knew He was being watched and scrutinized. These Pharisees were looking to trap Him. When the man with dropsy staggered in, all eyes were on him and Jesus. What would Jesus do?

Jesus, knowing He was being set up, responded to their sneakiness by asking if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. The Law is clear that Sabbath is a holy day of no work. It is for resting. What about healing so that the afflicted one can experience rest as well? Nothing is more holy than an encounter with the Son of God.

The men remained silent. Jesus healed the man, sent him on his way, and then pointed out more of their hypocrisy. They would rescue a vital animal if it fell in a well, even if it happened on the Sabbath. They would not leave the animal in the well until a workday. In the same way, Jesus could not leave the swollen man in his condition until a more lawful time. His compassion compelled Him. They could not answer.

THOUGHT

“The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Mark 2:28).

Kelli Reynolds