Luke 6:1-11 | Colossians 3:1-2
The legal experts and Pharisees were watching him closely…
More often than not, we will find the wrongs we expect in others. But it’s a search God has not asked us to begin. Many Christians walk around expecting people to sin. Mature Christians know that you don’t need to look for evil - there’s plenty around and it will come to you.
But what misery it is for all sides when someone is on the lookout for sin. It’s one thing to look out for sin, and another to look for sin. The former is wise, the latter, lacking hope and grace.
Luke 6:1-11
One Sabbath, as Jesus was going through the wheat fields, his disciples were picking the heads of wheat, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, “Why are you breaking the Sabbath law?”
Jesus replied, “Haven’t you read what David and his companions did when they were hungry? He broke the Law by going into God’s house and eating the bread of the presence, which only the priests can eat. He also gave some of the bread to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Human One is Lord of the Sabbath.”
On another Sabbath, Jesus entered a synagogue to teach. A man was there whose right hand was withered. The legal experts and the Pharisees were watching him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. They were looking for a reason to bring charges against him. Jesus knew their thoughts, so he said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” He got up and stood there. Jesus said to the legal experts and Pharisees, “Here’s a question for you: Is it legal on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” Looking around at them all, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he did and his hand was made healthy. They were furious and began talking with each other about what to do to Jesus.
Colossians 3:1-2
Therefore, if you were raised with Christ, look for the things that are above where Christ is sitting at God’s right side. Think about the things above and not things on earth.
Prayer
God,
We talk about optimism and pessimism, glasses half full or half empty. I suppose these are useful. But ultimately, I want to be a person of hope. I want to give people space and grace and the opportunity to succeed in the things of righteousness. I’m sure I should look out for sinfulness and evil, and I ask for protection from these, indeed.
But give me the eyes of Jesus, who saw people above sinners, opportunity for relationship above condemnation, and potential for life beyond despair.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.