Overview by Olivia Saunders
Lesson Text: Luke 6: 1-11
We have been able to witness Jesus in a monumental moment that we can take heed to even today. There were those who came to criticize Him and found their arguments were in vain. This story begins with the disciples breaking off heads of grain in the field and they were doing this on the sabbath. The Pharisees were watching as usual and passed judgement on them for doing so just because it was on the sabbath. Jesus replied and took them to the scriptures, as He usually did when he was faced with opposition.
Jesus reminded them of a story about the well-known King David. He reminded them that King David also broke the law when he and his companions ate the loaves of bread that the priest eat. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus made it clear that He is Lord even over the sabbath. Jesus once again knew how to adjust the prospective of the religious leaders and those who deemed themselves holy.
On another sabbath day, there was a man in the synagogue with a deformed hand. As Jesus was teaching, He was being watched closely by those who were waiting do accuse him of doing wrong on the sabbath. Jesus asked the man to come and stand before everyone and He asked his accusers, ‘ does the law permit good deeds on the sabbath or is it a day for doing evil?’ As Jesus looked at everyone one by one, then He healed the man of his deformity. Instead of being happy and rejoicing for the man, the enemies of Jesus started to discuss amongst themselves what to do with Him.
Related Scriptures by Doug Smith
Related Scriptures: Deuteronomy 5:12-15; I Samuel 21:1-6; Luke 13:10-17
In Deuteronomy 5:12-15, we see the people had entered into a covenant with God. Moses commanded them to hear, learn , and keep God’s statutes. In keeping the sabbath, he reminded them that no work was to be done by anyone. He also reminded them that all labour was to be completed within six days. The seventh day which was the sabbath, they were to refrain from working.
I Samuel 21:1-6, begins with David’s hurried flight from Saul enroute to Nob, and to Ahimelech, the priest who is the great grandson of Eli. David had fled without food or weapons, and was in desperate need of both. The priest trembled at the sight of him, being alone. David begins the story of his mission. Ahimelech had to go against the law to give the hallowed bread to David, because the bread was supposed to be given only to the priest.
In Luke 13:10-17, we see this story is similar to the story of the man with the withered hand, as well as the man with dropsy. In each of these stories, Jesus heals on the sabbath and is opposed by the religious leaders. Jesus heals the woman in the synagogue on the sabbath of her infirmity. Jesus spoke a word with compassion and authority to the woman, as well as laying hands on her. The leaders were angry because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, and Jesus replied simply..’ if you can help an animal on the sabbath, why not a suffering person..?’
Practical Points by Brittenne Boykin
Healing on The Sabbath
Luke 6: 1-11
Practical Points
1) God’s people were required to provide food for the hungry; we should likewise care for the poor. (Luke 6:1 ct Deuteronomy 23:25)
These texts reminds us that God calls us to think of and care for our fellow human beings. Christ was concerned about the poor and we are instructed in God’s word not to be so self consumed, selfish and greedy that we neglect caring for those that are in need. We only need to walk down the street and be greeted by the faces of those in need of a meal, clothing, a smile and a kind word. We are never to shut up our bowels of compassion when God allows our paths to cross with those who are in need. This week let’s take some time to pay attention to where God is leading us to be a blessing to those in need around us.
5). We humans tend to look for opportunities to criticize others. (Vss.6-7)
The text in Luke shines the spotlight on the human tendency to criticize and find fault with one another. They criticized the fact that Jesus healed him on the Sabbath, and how ironic was it that they found fault with someone being set free from infirmity on a day dedicated holy to the Lord. Their attitude seems cold and callous to us today, but how often do we find fault in people who are doing what God has called them to do just because it doesn’t fit into our idea of the box we have put God in. Let us pray and ask God to discern where He is moving so that we can champion and support the work of God rather than criticize it. Let’s extend grace and see the best in others rather than criticize.
