What Jesus Did! 'Hate-blind' — Matthew 12:9-10

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, "Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?" (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)
— Matthew 12:9-10 NLT

Key Thought

Isn't it amazing how distorted our perspective can become when we are motivated by hatred and opposition?! Jesus goes to a synagogue to worship. This is totally unsurprising. Jesus' habit was to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. This time he finds a man with physical problems. Jesus always found and/or attracted those with all sorts of needs. Jesus, out of compassion, met those needs when appropriate. Instead of going to the synagogue to worship God or study the Torah, Jesus' opponents went to accuse him and trap him in controversy. They had not only abdicated the will of God for the Sabbath by their legalistic rules, but they also had lost their hearts because of hatred of Jesus. Jesus' emphasis on the necessity of being right with each other so that God will not reject our worship suddenly seems keenly relevant!

Today's Prayer

God Almighty, Creator, and King, forgive me when my life, including the times I assemble with others to worship, ends up mocking you because I have petty things, bitter things, evil things toward others, on my heart. Please forgive me, Lord, for being uncharitable and unforgiving. Please remove from me the evil and cynical heart that so permeates this age and create in me a heart more like your Son Jesus. In Jesus' name, and by his grace, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 5:23-24
  • Luke 4:16-21
  • 1 John 4:19

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 12:9-10 NLT — "Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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