SCRIPTURE
"But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus." (Luke 6:11)
OBSERVATION
Jesus was teaching in the synagogue and healed a man with a shriveled hand. The problem: it was on the Sabbath. It ticked off the religious leaders because he did not follow their preconceived ideas of right Sabbath behavior. Jesus did not conform to their expectations. The fact is Jesus purposely healed the man on the Sabbath to challenge the Pharisees theology.
The bible says they were furious and trying to decide what to do with him....more like do away with him. What happens when Jesus does not conform to our expectations or teaches something we don't like? We have a few options. Try to do away with him by ignoring him, live life without an awareness of his presence. Or minimize his teaching by disregarding it and rationalizing our behavior as a way to avoid obedience.
APPLICATION
What do I do with Jesus? I've been guilty of both responses. If I want to do what I want, I pretend he doesn't see or isn't around. If I don't' like what he teaches I can explain it away or think it applies to someone else. I need to allow those moments to teach me and help me grow closer to him. Jesus made it clear the reason he was healing the man on the Sabbath (not conforming to people's expectations) was to do good and save a life (vs. 9). If I keep those two thoughts in mind, he's doing good and saving my life, that would revolutionize the way I see him when he doesn't conform to my plans. What do I do with Jesus? In the end I can only trust and submit to who he is.
PRAYER
Father, I long to see Jesus for who he truly is. When I find him, help me to trust with a childlike faith.
