RPG Adults
JESUS IS LORD OF THE SABBATH (II)
SATURDAY, MAY 10
Luke 6:6-11
Matthew 12:9-14
“…Is it lawful on the sabbath days
to do good, or to do evil?…”
JESUS IS LORD OF THE SABBATH (II)
Here is another instance where the scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of breaking the sabbath. Instead of paying attention to His teachings, they were busy trying to catch Him at fault. They attempted this in vain. Jesus is impeccable. He can never sin or do wrong.
As usual, Jesus would teach in the synagogue on the sabbath. On that day, there was a man who had a withered right hand. The scribes and the Pharisees questioned Jesus over the lawfulness of healing on the sabbath. Jesus answered with a question, “Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?” That rhetorical question shut their mouths. For if they were to answer that it was lawful to do good on the sabbath, then they would be wrong to fault Jesus for healing the sick. If they were to say that it was evil to do good on the sabbath day, then their wickedness would be exposed. They could not answer.
Jesus Himself gave them the answer to His very own question: “What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.” A perfect answer that is both logical and biblical (cf. Exod 23:4-5; Deut 22:4)!
Noting still their unbelief and hardness of heart, Jesus in a final act of grace, healed the handicapped man. In so doing, He demonstrated His power, proving that He truly is the Lord of the sabbath, or Jehovah Himself, the Author of the sabbath law. The scribes and Pharisees ought to have humbled themselves before Jesus after this wonderful demonstration of God’s grace. Instead of being repentant, they became angrier. In wicked rebellion, they hated Him all the more, and wanted to kill Him.
THOUGHT: Think of doing something good for Jesus this Lord’s Day.
PRAYER: Father, help me to keep the Lord’s Day holy.