On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. Then he said to them “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” But they were unable to answer his question.
The Sabbath was an occasion for a holy or religious meal. This Sabbath meal is invaded by a sick man who seems to be hoping for healing. No words are spoken between him and Jesus, but the movement in the incident is to put compassion before the law. When it comes to the law, Jesus makes it clear that all law is subordinate to the one great law: that we are to love God and love our neighbour as ourselves. We will never stray far from the path if we keep this commandment.
Heavenly Father, you are our God.
Give us your wisdom and enlightenment. We pray that you will help us to see
the true meaning of the Sabbath in our lives dedicated to you, but give us
compassionate hearts that we may respond as you did. Help us to follow your
commandments, to respect the sabbath and make it holy.
In Jesus name, we pray,
Amen.
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