Matthew 12:9-13 the Purpose of the Sabbath Day

Departing from there, He went into their synagogue. And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? “And he felt that they might accuse Him. And He said to them, “What man is there among you who have a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable than is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath.” Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other. There were many in Israel in Jesus’ time that sorely needed a miracle to be made whole. Jesus only healed a few of them so that when he performed miracles that they would be used for a teaching lesson. Jesus recently said that He is Lord of the Sabbath. Now the religious leaders are seeking to snare him in his own good works by tempting him to heal on the Sabbath Day. He makes the man with a withered hand well and then states it is His Father’s will to do good on the Sabbath, and this is what His heart desires. He compares his good works with the work of a Good Shepherd, and nobody questioned him after that.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, let me learn from your good works that were done before us. Let me inherit the father’s heart so that I may be wise and do my father’s will. In your holy name I pray Amen.