It’s about People

Then He answered them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” Luke 14:5

There is no doubt that Jesus loved people.  The one and only reason He was born into this world in the first place was for people.  He didn’t come to enforce rules to control people, He came to set people free from the bonds of sin and one of the ways He did that was by healing them physically.  Sin in the world brought oppression and every evil thing and disease/sickness.

In today’s reading, Jesus was celebrating the Sabbath with a group of lawyers and Pharisees.  They were the people that believed their one job was to enforce the laws to keep control and order in the country.  The only problem with that was they didn’t have any concern about what people were going through or dealing with.  Their only interest were the legal issues of the day.  This was not a bad thing, but there was a big problem with their hearts and attitude.  That was pride!  The religious leaders of Jesus day put themselves on a pedestal and looked down on common people because they thought they knew the law better than anyone else and had been authorized to execute it wherever they were.  In fact, they were indignant that Jesus was not a stickler for all the rules.  Instead, He was for the people.  As we read in this passage in Luke, Jesus noticed a man with a problem or mality of some kind.  He even asked before He healed him if there was anything in the law that permitted good to be done on the Sabbath?  Jesus was not concerned that He was breaking one of the rules because it is more important to love people no matter what day it is.

This is the heart that we should take on.  Loving people always.  Jesus is our example, and we should always put people first before any rule or any activity.  If you know of someone in need, make them your priority.  At minimum, make time to pray for them and their healing or provision.  Whatever their need may be.  The reason we are here in the world is to help people.  Help them find rest, help them find peace and help others find Salvation in Him. Don’t be like the Pharisees of Jesus day by only pointing out what people are doing wrong. Try helping them out of the ditches they have fallen into by loving people where they are.

Today I want to encourage you to start making others your priority.  Even those who do not seemingly have major issues such as disease or oppression.  All people have a space inside them that is shaped to fit a relationship with their creator.  Most however, fill that space with other things that just don’t quite satisfy.  Love others today and introduce them to the One who wants to be their helper and guide through life.  If you make that your life mission, you will be on track following the one Who gave His life to save us all!

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 14:1-6

LUKE 14

A Man with Dropsy Healed on the Sabbath

1 Now it happened, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched Him closely. 

2 And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. 

3 And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”

4 But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. 

5 Then He answered them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” 

6 And they could not answer Him regarding these things.