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Matthew 12:11-13
The Pharisees have noticed a man with a withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath. As they are insistent on finding a way to discount Jesus, the have asked His opinion on healing on the Sabbath. The reply that Jesus gave was not about following rules and regulations, but of doing good always, even on the Sabbath. Jesus states in Matthew 12:11-12 (NKJV), “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
This is a command to do good to others always.
This is an example of the good news (Gospel) of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of heaven.
This is a promise that having an obedient and sincere heart to God will also overflow in our actions and words to others.
The Pharisees were so intent on following the rules and regulations that they missed the whole point – to do good to one another – to love one another as God has first loved us. Jesus teaches us in John 13:34-35 (HCSB), “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Dear LORD,
Please help us to see the intent of Jesus in this passage of Matthew 12:9-14 that in our obedience and sincerity to You LORD, we should put You first in our lives and love our neighbor as ourselves, as Jesus has stated in Matthew 22:37-40. In these two things is You will for our lives. Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.