Rules or People? #83

Matthew 12:9-14
14 Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, 10 where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) 11 And he answered, “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. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! 14 Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.

Jesus’ enemies came from the religious crowd. They constantly sought for a way to condemn Jesus for breaking the Law of Moses. Working on the Sabbath was strictly forbidden by the Law. The opportunity for pushing the envelope came when Jesus saw a man with a deformed hand. Jesus asks the Pharisees if a sheep fell into a well on the Sabbath would they have to work to pull it out, and would they pull it out. Of course the answer was yes. Then Jesus shows the value of a man over not only a sheep, but over the Law. He turns to the man and heals him. The Pharisees are so upset they called a meeting to determine the best way to kill Jesus.

Does your understanding of the Law of Moses place it above people needs? It is easy to put rules above people needs. Jesus reminded the Pharisees at another time that “The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath.” Be careful how you judge one another.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.