In today’s passage Jesus: fellowshipped with sinners; his disciples did not put their piety on public display; he had no problem preparing a meal on the Sabbath; and on the Sabbath he made whole a man’s deformed hand.
“At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him.”
Technically Jesus did nothing to violate the Sabbath law. He simply asked the man to extend his hand. God took it from there. But, this was yet another sign that Jesus was different. This was another sign that Jesus was ushering in a new way of living. God’s Kingdom was bursting into their world and the establishment was not happy about change. While they would have been horrified to be charged with going against God, nevertheless, they were very uncomfortable surrendering control of their environment to Jesus.
So it is today with the established church. Jesus’ marching orders to the church are very clear: “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Yet, making decisions, developing ministries and programs for the people for whom the love of God is still a stranger is the hardest thing for a church to do. We are trying with all of our might to never leave our comfort zone, all the while charging head long into being totally irrelevant for our culture.
Jesus, I've forgotten the words that You have spoken
Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief
Renew the fire again
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
Lord Have Mercy- Michael W. Smith (Amy Grant)
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
4-Jan-12 Luke 6:12-36
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