Christian Reflection and Prayer

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

 

Read Luke 6:6-11

 

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,
He lets His point sink in. Jesus then 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
His Name. Amen.

 

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries