Hypocrites in Action #135

Luke13:10-16

10 And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.

11 And behold, there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all.

12 And when Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness."

13 And He laid His hands upon her; and immediately she was made erect again, and began glorifying God.

14 And the synagogue official, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, began saying to the multitude in response, "There are six days in which work should be done; therefore come during them and get healed, and not on the Sabbath day."

15 But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall, and lead him away to water him?

16 "And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath Day?"

17 And as He said all this, all His opponents were being humiliated; and the entire multitude was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him. (NAS)

Jesus had an incredible ability to aggravate religious people. His method: Do something against their rules. In this case, as in many others, He healed someone on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was the day of rest and not a day for work. The religious Pharisees interpretation of the law of the Sabbath did not allow for healing anyone. Jesus did it anyway. He freed the woman of an infirmity in which her back was bent double. Her response was praise to God. The religious crowd was indignant.

Jesus immediately labeled them hypocrites, play actors. They lived from the written script of their interpretation of the law which meant no healing on the Sabbath. Jesus reprimanded them and expressed the value of this crippled woman over their interpretation of the Sabbath. The crowd turned on the Pharisees and the Bible says they were humiliated. People are pretty important to God. In spite of some people's religious rules in which they question your worth; He still loves you and wants the best for you. Rejoice over the glorious things He has done.

__________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks!

I am praying that you have a wonderful day in the Lord. Who is that "cute couple".

The baby shower for our grandson (to be born around May 21) was a great success. We had so much fun and enjoyment with our son-in-law's family as we celebrated the new one's (John Joseph Koleszar IV) coming birth. The other three JJK's were present at the shower.

Bennett had a choir concert on Tuesday night. It was so enjoyable to be alive and able to see and hear him perform. Burke, Collin, Roger and Jennifer are headed to Legoland in California during spring break. They are excited.

Susan is still waiting on counter-tops to be installed in order that she can move into her new townhome. She and Collin are ready to move in.

Several of you have asked about my doctor's appointment last week. I still am having pain and the doctor is starting treatment by removing my liver tube. There are risks involved, primarily infection and jaundice, by removing it completely. At this time it seems a need. It has been in almost two years. the date will be Tuesday, March 8th. I went on Medicare on Tuesday, March 1st so all the insurance changes are part of the holdup. Pray for this procedure and that no complications will happen.

I have a couple of prayer requests for other pastors. A long time pastor in Arizona, Nathan, has had two strokes and is in serious condition in the ICU.

The pastor at Quartzsite has a little daughter who has developed a very serious infection and is in the hospital. Please pray for Aaron, Keli and their daughter, Allison. It has been a life threatening situation for her.

Sandy and I are so grateful for your love, prayers and concern. We both are doing well. It is good to have prayer warriors like you to intercede for us. We continue to pray for opportunities for ministry. We both enjoy sharing God's Word.

May God bless you today with His love and mercy. He is full of compassion and desires to reach His arms around you and give you a big hug. By the way, He may send someone into your life to give you the hug. ~ DGW