Overview of: MatthewToday's Reading:
Matthew 12:1 – 13:58
"Jesus' Authority and Teachings"
Focus Verses: Matthew 12:9-12
9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" 11 He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
Insight:
It is always right to do good. Jesus clearly counters any suggestion that God has more concern about rituals or laws than he has for the people they are intended to help.
Response and Action:
I need to be careful to notice anytime laws are moral precepts are used as a way to stop anyone from doing what is good. God's instructions and commands are not an end in and of themselves, but instead are intended to serve the very best interests of people. When applying and interpreting the commands of scripture, I will always consider what would be the most redemptive, caring, and helpful for all involved.
O God, help me to seek you and obey you with all my being. Help me to understand your word and to be obedient to your commands. Help me to grasp the spirit and heart behind your commands in order that I might apply and obey them for the right reasons and the right attitude with the right ends in mind. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Psalm 140:6
6 O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy.
In Context: Psalm 140
Proverb for Today: Prov. 25:11
"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter."
Recommended Reading:
What's So Amazing About Grace?
by Philip Yancey
