40 Days of MiraclesSample

Jesus Heals a Man with Dropsy on the Sabbath

In the prior verses, Jesus laments God's people's stubbornness and inability to move out of their prescribed behavioral boxes. They took pride in their rule-keeping and judged others for rule-breaking. Here, at a Sabbath dinner in a Pharisee's house, among those who were "watching Him carefully," a man before Him was suffering from a disease. Jesus asks, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" They wouldn't answer. One of their common complaints about Jesus was that He did not keep the Sabbath. Healing (work) was a violation of the rule. Then Jesus healed the man. "Would you not do likewise with your own child or animal?" They still would not answer, frustrating Jesus because they were oblivious to the grace of the Father.

Questions for Reflection

• What is it that offends them about Jesus?
• What sacred idols are they holding onto?
• Am I oblivious to the grace of the Father?
• Will I be so caught up in religiosity that I miss the leading of the Holy Spirit?