Scripture:
6 On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.
9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”
10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. 11 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.
The Twelve Apostles
12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Observation:
Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9)
Jesus was in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and he knew that the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were watching him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabboth.
Jesus, knowing their minds asked them, “which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” They could not answer him so Jesus healed the man, making his point again that The Son of Man was indeed, “Lord of the Sabboth and as Lord of the Sabboth, Jesus healed the man with the withered hand.
Application:
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law hardened their hearts and minds towards Jesus. They elevated laws above kindness and care for one-another. Jesus direct question about doing good or evil on the Sabboth, elevates are attitude towards others over keeping the law and not the spirit of the law. we should always be mindful of Jesus command to love God and to love others, If we are able to help the others in our lives, we should follow Jesus’ example.
Prayer:
Dear Lord God, help us to love you with our whole hearts, minds and strength; then help us to be concerned for and to love the others in our lives. Help us to follow Jesus example to do good, no matter what day it is. Amen!