“And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, They are six days in which men ought to work; in them therefore come and be healed and not on the sabbath day” (Luke 13:14).
We return to the miracle involving “Miss Liberty.” By the way, the miracle was performed on the sabbath day. Before Jesus had to step in and put him in his place, the synagogue ruler just had to speak his mind. A sermon from Russell Smith states “Not only have we been freed from spiritual bondage, but we’ve also been freed from bondage to the law. The synagogue leader responds in a very interesting way. He doesn’t address Jesus; he addresses the crowd. He doesn’t refute what Jesus has done; he says, “Here is my teaching.” What we see is a battle of two authorities; the synagogue leader desperately trying to hold on to his control by binding the people to his interpretation of the Law, and Jesus proclaiming freedom—freedom– to follow the intent of the Law.” Smith continues with these words: “The synagogue leader talks about the finer points of the Law while Jesus talks about freedom from bondage.”
Just as Jesus met with opposition as He went about doing good, we may opposition as well. I close with the words from Romans 7:21: “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Hanna Project team currently working in the still devastated tsunami area. Ask God to continue to give them strength to complete their tasks, safety of travel as they journey home later this week and open doors to share the gospel throughout this time.
