1 Now one Sabbath when Jesus went to dine at the house of a leader of the Pharisees, they were watching him closely. 2 There right in front of him was a man whose body was swollen with fluid. 3 So Jesus asked the experts in religious law and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” 4 But they remained silent. So Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him away. 5 Then he said to them, “Which of you, if you have a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” 6 But they could not reply to this.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Mary Hong

Love in action

Friends, do you enjoy eating or sharing food in a meal together? Food is a great gift from God. It is one of the greatest joys in life for me, because it brings people from different backgrounds together. There are many special moments that happen when we enjoy a meal together.

As I read this passage, I am reminded of Jesus's humility and selfless acts of love to those He meets. On this occasion it is on a Sabbath day, around a meal in the home of a leader of the Pharisees. Because it was a Sabbath day, all the food would have been prepared in advance.

At the table sitting across from Jesus is a man who is suffering from a condition known as dropsy.  Jesus heals him, even though he knows the Pharisees are watching Him closely. He then asks the lawyers and Pharisees, “Which of you, if you have a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” (verse 5). The Pharisees could not give a response to this, which reveals their hypocrisy and their lack of love.

But with Jesus, this passage displays his humility and compassion, even in the face of intense criticism and hostility from the leaders. Despite their questioning and opposition, Jesus shows the man kindness and puts love into action by healing him.

This passage humbles me, because we see Jesus showing love and kindness to a man He has only just met. This happens throughout the Gospels: Jesus is willing to heal and show compassion, no matter what the cost or the risk.

Friends, compassion and love should always be at the front and centre of our lives. Pray that we would all look to Jesus as our ultimate example when we are given opportunities to love and care for those around us. May we not allow traditions and rules to get in the way of us showing love and compassion. Pray that this passage will help remind us to follow the two greatest commandments, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul and to love our neighbours as ourselves.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.