“One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 2 There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. 3 Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” 4 But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. 5 Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child[a] or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” 6 And they had nothing to say.” Luke 14.1-6
It’s not the only time Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. It had been done at least once before and the Jewish religious leaders were not in favor or it. They weren’t in favor of Jesus, his healings, miracles or teachings.
Jesus had been invited to eat at the house of a Pharisee who was important. The text says he was “prominent.” Meaning popular, influential, authoritative. I consider these guys to be like our US Senators. When they walk into the room, people take notice.
Jesus had just walked into the room for a meal. Was the invitation out of suspicion for Jesus’ ministry or support? He was being “carefully watched” while he was in the house. And low and behold, there in from of him was a man suffering from “abnormal swelling in his body.” Was this man a plant? Did the Pharisees put the sick person in front of Jesus on the Sabbath so they might test him? But God doesn’t play by human rules. Jesus was having none of their games.
Jesus sees the sick man and asked the Pharisees and other experts of the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” But the cowards said nothing. No words came out of their mouth. They were both fearful of breaking the law and of Jesus. So Jesus does what he has the power and authority to do — “Taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way.” Then he asked, “If one of you has a child[a] or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” 6 And they had nothing to say.”
The hypocrisy in the room was thick. The pride and evil that drove the Pharisees to worship the law but not love the Law giver was astounding. They missed God in their midst by lack of faith and selfish ambition, but Jesus healed the sick man regardless. God has no limitations when it comes to loving the least, the last and the lost.
I wonder how we would have responded that day in Israel? Would we be like the skeptics? Or would we be full of faith, believing that Jesus was the Messiah, the Savior of the world? I admit I am a sinner, saved by Jesus, but that I am imperfect in all my ways. I might have doubted but I pray that I would have responded with faith and appreciation for the amazing power of Jesus to redeem and repair the broken.
What do you need Jesus to repair in your life? Is it forgiveness of sin? Bodily healing? Emotional restoration? Spiritual significance? Cling to Jesus. Draw near to him. Allow the one who healed the sick on God’s Holy Day to do a work in your life this very hour.
“O Lord Jesus, you are good. You care not about public opinion. You care only to please the Father and save your people. Come now, Holy Spirit, help us find solace and celebration in your words. Help us know the Truth in the person of Jesus. Come now, fill me up, bring your healing and help us walk in step with you. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen