The Word This Week
Luke 14:1…
Jesus continues to give instruction pertaining to the true meaning of the Sabbath, opposing the incorrect interpretation of God’s Law by the religious leaders.
There is no better place to do that than in the home of one of the rulers of the Pharisees. Invited in, Jesus takes the opportunity to demonstrate He is the Ruler, as much as this ruler of the Pharisees may choose to think of himself in that way.
Jesus would demonstrate Who is truly in charge by taking charge over an incurable disease. Just as He would put this ruling Pharisee in his place, Jesus would put this disease in its place.
The great issue, of course, was Jesus had been invited into this ruler’s house for a Sabbath meal.
In this case, Jesus first challenged the lawyers and Pharisees present about their interpretation of the Law.
“Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
The issue they were all aware of is there was a man present who had an incurable disease, known of as ‘dropsy.’ Dropsy is a terrible affliction we refer to as ‘edema.’ It is the buildup of fluids in the body, especially in the extremities - like the ankles, wrists and arms and legs. It is not a hidden condition but is visible to anyone who would see this man.
While the Pharisees and lawyers were intently focused on Jesus, to examine Him, Jesus was focused on the man with dropsy. Jesus’ question of them revealed His intent – to heal this man. Had they even noticed this afflicted man in their midst? They certainly would now.
While they remained silent, Jesus took this man before them and healed him. It was a bold affront on every level, and Jesus knew it. The evil restrictions the religious establishment had placed upon God’s Law pertaining to a day of rest far exceeded God’s intent, and rather than respecting man’s mishandling of His Law, Jesus would have them see the heart of God’s Law rather than the letter of it.
Without a moment’s pause in the face of their obvious shock, Jesus raised another very pertinent question: “Would you rescue your animal on the Sabbath day?”
The obvious answer is, YES - of course they would. Everyone would. Anyone would. Anything less would be animal cruelty, (which also happens to be against God’s Law.) But because of their position and their obvious religious pride they chose not to answer in the face of what just took place. Because of their position they could not answer even though they knew the answer because it would place Jesus in a superior position over everyone in this household, and they could not ever agree to that.
Pastor Bill
Jesus continues to give instruction pertaining to the true meaning of the Sabbath, opposing the incorrect interpretation of God’s Law by the religious leaders.
There is no better place to do that than in the home of one of the rulers of the Pharisees. Invited in, Jesus takes the opportunity to demonstrate He is the Ruler, as much as this ruler of the Pharisees may choose to think of himself in that way.
Jesus would demonstrate Who is truly in charge by taking charge over an incurable disease. Just as He would put this ruling Pharisee in his place, Jesus would put this disease in its place.
The great issue, of course, was Jesus had been invited into this ruler’s house for a Sabbath meal.
In this case, Jesus first challenged the lawyers and Pharisees present about their interpretation of the Law.
“Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
The issue they were all aware of is there was a man present who had an incurable disease, known of as ‘dropsy.’ Dropsy is a terrible affliction we refer to as ‘edema.’ It is the buildup of fluids in the body, especially in the extremities - like the ankles, wrists and arms and legs. It is not a hidden condition but is visible to anyone who would see this man.
While the Pharisees and lawyers were intently focused on Jesus, to examine Him, Jesus was focused on the man with dropsy. Jesus’ question of them revealed His intent – to heal this man. Had they even noticed this afflicted man in their midst? They certainly would now.
While they remained silent, Jesus took this man before them and healed him. It was a bold affront on every level, and Jesus knew it. The evil restrictions the religious establishment had placed upon God’s Law pertaining to a day of rest far exceeded God’s intent, and rather than respecting man’s mishandling of His Law, Jesus would have them see the heart of God’s Law rather than the letter of it.
Without a moment’s pause in the face of their obvious shock, Jesus raised another very pertinent question: “Would you rescue your animal on the Sabbath day?”
The obvious answer is, YES - of course they would. Everyone would. Anyone would. Anything less would be animal cruelty, (which also happens to be against God’s Law.) But because of their position and their obvious religious pride they chose not to answer in the face of what just took place. Because of their position they could not answer even though they knew the answer because it would place Jesus in a superior position over everyone in this household, and they could not ever agree to that.
Pastor Bill