Laws of the Sabbath

This account of Jesus in the synagogue presents a question which is directly applicable to modern, contemporary life. How do we respond when we see someone suffering and in need? Do we follow the rules, avoid the situation or do we act, show compassion, show love? Are we like the Pharisees watching, waiting to judge our neighbors or are we like Jesus who responds when he sees suffering?

We all want to be like Jesus Christ. We all want to show love, compassion. We all want to inspire faith, hope. Being like Christ is often difficult; it takes effort, prayer, patience, more prayer, more patience. Being like Christ does not happen overnight. It takes times. Jesus Christ wanted everyone to love each other, to be concerned about each other, to be able to show compassion. Jesus Christ calls each of his followers keep open minds, open hearts. We must always be ready to love one another without fear.

The Pharisees are a scary scared bunch. They view a miracle but instead of giving thanks, they leave and start plotting the death of Jesus. They used the law as the basis for their decision to persecute Jesus. The Pharisees are within their right to be concerned about enforcing the rules of the sabbath. There is neither fairness nor justice within their actions.

No matter what Jesus did in the synagogue that sabbath someone would have been upset. The Pharisees were there wanting him to do a miracle, to cure somebody. They wanted an excuse to kill him. Following the laws of the sabbath is commendable; however, the Pharisees behave without compassion, without love. Seeing the man with the withered hand did not have any impact upon them. There were specific rules for the sabbath which could not be disobeyed. This they believed. But, what good is there in following the rules of the sabbath or for that matter for being religious and saying that we are Christian if we are unwilling or afraid to show compassion, love, or mercy to all our neighbors. The Pharisees had the laws of the sabbath on their side but the laws of goodness, holiness, and kindness were against them.

In our daily lives as Christians, we should always remember this story. Our behavior should be filled with the bravery, compassion, and love of Jesus. Our hearts must be open, malleable, ready to share love and hope. We should do everything to avoid being like the Pharisees cold followers of the law with harden hearts, hate, and fear.

With prayer each one of us can have Jesus in our lives; with prayer, patience, and love we can all be like Christ willing and ready to help each and every withered hand we see.