Monday, July 26, 2021

True colors


Luke 14:1-6…

Self-righteous people are the favorite tools of the devil. A leader of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat at his home. Yet it was apparent that Jesus was not invited out of hospitality, but out of hostility. It was an atmosphere of accusation…they were watching him carefully. The Pharisees wanted to bring some charge against Him. Jesus was to be the main course, but He turns the “dinner tables” on them.

There was an ill man among them, probably placed as a trap to see if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath. Calling their bluff, He asks them if they think it is lawful to heal the man on the Sabbath. They remained silent, which was a passive sign of their rebellion. Their twisted teachings and traditions clearly forbade such healing. The Law of Moses, however, did not forbid it. Indeed, how could one refrain from healing on the Sabbath, if he had the ability to do so (cf. James 2:14-17)?

Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. Jesus knew they had only brought the man in to test Him. He then confronts them about their notions of compassion. Their own practices proved their petty hypocrisy. They taught one thing, but made exceptions for themselves. Once again they remained silent, because what can you say when your true colors are showing?

Before accusing someone, you might want to think about this, because the supposed injustice might cause the invisible ink of your heart to become manifest.  

No comments: