Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 6:6-11.
TEXT: But they were filled with fury and discussed
with one another what they might do to Jesus
(Luke 6:11).

The opposition against Jesus is mounting-neighbors
from Nazareth and the devil with his demonic army.
Now two new enemies join the fray.

The scribes have spent centuries copying Old
Testament scrolls, which teach God's Law to show
us why we need His promised Savior. But they have
distorted that word, teaching that heaven can be
earned with less-than-perfect lives. Sitting with the
scribes are their disciples the Pharisees who
dedicate themselves to live by these teachings
and traditions.

In the synagogue sits a man whose right hand is
withered and useless. What will Jesus do? Scribal
traditions forbid any work on the Sabbath, even
healing a man's withered hand. So the scribes and
Pharisees silently watch to see if Jesus will break
their Sabbath rules.

Jesus calls the man to stand, dramatically drawing
everyone's attention.Then He turns to the scribes and
asks, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do
harm, to save life or to destroy it?" He exposes the
hypocrisy of their tradition that would forbid Him to use
His powers to end someone's suffering just because it
is the Sabbath. Looking around at them to let His point
sink in, Jesus tells the man, "Stretch out your hand,"
and his hand is completely restored.

The scribes and Pharisees are furious. Jesus clearly
broke the spirit of their Sabbath tradition, but by the
letter of their law they have no charge to bring against
Him. Nobody thought to write a law forbidding a man to
stretch out his hand.

THE PRAYER:

Almighty God, Jesus' enemies grew furious when He
showed concern for a man who was hurting. Forgive my
cold, unfeeling heart toward those suffering around me,
and help me flee to Jesus for forgiveness. I pray this in
His Name Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)