1 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone."
4 Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.
5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
My thoughts -
I have a hard time identifying with a kind of legalism that would not allow for healing on the Sabbath. I have a hard time identifying with a kind of legalism that would not allow you to help someone out based on the day, the time, who they are, or any other factors. I don't see anything in the Gospels that allows for a "I'd love to help here but my hands are tied" mentality.
We are called to love our neighbors. We are called to care for the poor. Loving others and serving others is how we love God. It's time we set about doing that as our primary focus.
Jesus faced death and that didn't stop him. What's stopping us?
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