Tuesday 7 October 2025
... A man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?” so that they might accuse him. (vs 9-10)
Background
Jesus had deliberately broken the rules of the sabbath (the weekly day of rest) to heal a man. This was seen as an act of ‘work’. But Jesus had healed the man to point out that his love and compassion for his people were more important than the ritual law. He told the people around him that they wouldn’t hesitate to rescue a fallen sheep on the sabbath, and a human being is more valuable than a sheep! Jesus said that "it is lawful to do good on the sabbath" and this then reversed the sabbath rule, which angered the Pharisees (who made sure that everyone followed the laws of Judaism), and so they got together to work out ways in which they could destroy Jesus.
Jesus left this place, probably because he didn’t want any confrontation at this time. Crowds of people followed him, and he healed them. Note that he didn’t want them to tell anyone about him and what he had done for them, because it wasn’t the right time for him to be widely known just yet. As can be seen in the quotation from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 42:1-6) he would make his presence known and proclaim justice to the Gentiles (non-Jews) – to all people – with gentleness, and not by drawing attention to himself with battle-cries or an army. The Romans preferred pomp and ceremony and they weren't used to the approach and image that Jesus had. Jesus was a peaceful man with a sense of calmness and wisdom, who had love and compassion for everyone. Jesus’ love for everyone gave the people hope: they wanted to follow him, to see what he did next and they wanted him to heal them. The Pharisees were watching Jesus' every move.
To Ponder:
- What circumstances have you been in when it felt right to break the rules for the good of others, or to stand up against the rules to bring about justice?
- In what ways do the rules that you live by in your day-to-day life hinder or help? This may be in your workplace, school, college, church, or nationally.
Prayer
Loving God, we know that some rules are made so that we can live peacefully together; others so that there is law and order; a guide to help us work things out; to watch over one another in love. May all that we do and live by help us to live in harmony. Guide us so we may live your way in your world, for the good of everyone. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Ann Fox
The Revd Fox is Superintendent Minister of Tadcaster Circuit. She is called to serve alongside others and enjoys caring for older people and receiving inspiration from children and young people. She has recently enjoyed being with a group of young people from her circuit at 3Generate, the Methodist event for young people aged 4–18 years.