Scripture: Matthew 12:9-14 Click here for the reading
Observation: After being trapped in the question about the sabbath by the pharisees previously (see yesterday's post), Jesus is now at THEIR synagogue and notices a man who is in need of healing. The problem again arises about Jesus working on the sabbath. Clearly he is on their turf and they feel they are in charge. But Jesus has an issue with upholding the law above the well being of people. Jesus then uses an analogy to make his point “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!"
Application: It is interesting given all the political drama wrapped up in the news recently regarding hot topic issues (pick one; unaccompanied minors crossing borders, the killing of innocent college students, the immunization debate, who is running for president etc.) and all of it removed from the personal experience of those who are suffering from these experiences. We seem to take these as issues that are law rather than issues that affect the well being of people. What are some instances that you have held the law above people's well being? Has it been a traffic violation that you feel is important? Is it something more definitive? Have you ever been a pharisee by upholding law over the well being of others?
Prayer:Lord, help us to see the places where healing needs to happen and remove us from law keeping when it is possible for you to work in healing others.
Application: It is interesting given all the political drama wrapped up in the news recently regarding hot topic issues (pick one; unaccompanied minors crossing borders, the killing of innocent college students, the immunization debate, who is running for president etc.) and all of it removed from the personal experience of those who are suffering from these experiences. We seem to take these as issues that are law rather than issues that affect the well being of people. What are some instances that you have held the law above people's well being? Has it been a traffic violation that you feel is important? Is it something more definitive? Have you ever been a pharisee by upholding law over the well being of others?
Prayer:Lord, help us to see the places where healing needs to happen and remove us from law keeping when it is possible for you to work in healing others.
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