Christian Art | Jesus Heals On The Sabbath | King James Audio Bible KJV
Luke 6: 6-11 – Week 23 Ordinary Time, Monday (King James Audio Bible KJV, Spoken Word)
6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
Today’s Gospel reading continues to centre upon the debates about the Sabbath, in which Jesus and the Pharisees are involved. While the Pharisees watch Jesus, to see how he might violate the Law, Jesus does not shy away from the healing and redemptive opportunity. Indeed, to challenge the Pharisees in this way is in itself a restorative, a salvific, act. Jesus asks us to consider God’s commandments in the knowledge that God is love. Here is an inmost truth of our relationship with God.
Jesus calls upon the man with the withered hand to come to stand in the midst so that all might see him. The question Jesus then poses presents two alternatives, to do good or to do evil. Implicit is the thought that to do nothing where an act of love could be accomplished would be evil. To be lawful, to abide by God’s precepts, is to do what is good.
There is spiritual meaning as Jesus tells the man to stretch out his hand. St Ambrose writes: ‘This form of medicine is common and general. Offer it often, in benefit of your neighbour; defend from injury anyone who seems to be suffering as a result of calumny; stretch your hand out also to the poor man who asks for your help; stretch it out also to the Lord asking Him to forgive your sins; that is how you should stretch your hand out, and that is the way to be cured.’
The man is healed. So too are we offered healing, as we are taught our true relation to our Sabbath, our day of rest, our Lord’s day, and to God.
Concluding Prayer | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
King of heaven and earth, Lord God,
rule over our hearts and bodies this day.
Sanctify us,
and guide our every thought, word and deed
according to the commandments of your law,
so that now and forever
your grace may free and save us.
We make our prayer through our Lord.
King James Audio Bible | Endnotes
What Was The Role In Jewish Life Of The Pharisees Following The Destruction Of Jerusalem In AD 70?
The Pharisees played a significant role in Jewish life during the time of Jesus and the early Christian era. Following the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, their role evolved and changed in various ways. To understand their role, it is important to delve into their origins, beliefs, and practices as well as their interactions with Jesus and the early Christian community.
The Pharisees were a Jewish religious sect that emerged during the Second Temple period, around the 3rd century BC. They were known for their strict adherence to Jewish law, including the written Torah and the oral traditions that had been passed down through the generations. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and demons, and the coming of the Messiah.
The Pharisees were highly influential in Jewish society during the time of Jesus. They were respected by many for their knowledge of the law and their devotion to it. However, they were also criticized by Jesus for their legalism and their tendency to focus on outward appearances rather than matters of the heart.
In Luke 6:6-11, we see an example of Jesus’ interactions with the Pharisees. It tells the story of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, which was considered a violation of Jewish law by the Pharisees. Jesus challenged their legalistic interpretation of the law and showed them that the Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and compassion, not a day of strict adherence to rules.
Following the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, the role of the Pharisees changed in several ways. With the loss of the Temple and the end of the sacrificial system, the Pharisees became more focused on the study of Torah and the development of the Jewish legal system. They continued to be influential in Jewish society and played a key role in the development of Rabbinic Judaism.
One of the most important figures in the post-70 CE Pharisaic movement was Rabbi Akiva. He was a prominent Pharisee and one of the leading sages of his time. He played a key role in the development of the Mishnah, which is one of the central texts of Rabbinic Judaism. According to tradition, he was also a supporter of the Bar Kokhba rebellion against the Romans in the 2nd century CE.
The teachings of the Pharisees continued to influence Jewish thought and practice throughout the centuries. The Talmud, which is a collection of Jewish law and tradition, contains many teachings and stories about the Pharisees. In the Christian tradition, the Pharisees are often portrayed as the opponents of Jesus and his teachings, but it is important to remember that they were an important part of Jewish life and culture during the time of Jesus and beyond.
In summary, the Pharisees played a significant role in Jewish life during the time of Jesus and the early Christian era. Following the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, their role evolved and changed as they became more focused on the study of Torah and the development of Jewish law. Their teachings and influence continue to be felt in Jewish thought and practice to this day.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:28-30 ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ In this passage, Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened. Jesus promises rest and relief, urging us to take his yoke and learn from him. Jesus’ gentle and humble heart offers rest for our souls, emphasizing that his yoke is easy and his burden light. This passage is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ, who offers us rest and peace amid our struggles. Prayer Dear Jesus, In times of uncertainty and despair, I turn to you, the source of all hope. Fill my heart with your hope that transcends understanding. Help me to trust in your promises and to find joy and peace in your presence. May your hope renew my spirit and give me the strength to face each day with confidence and faith. Let your hope shine through me, bringing light to others who are in need. Amen. Personal Reflection What are the situations in your life that seem hopeless? How can you invite Jesus’ hope into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced renewed hope through your faith in Christ. Meditation On The Prayer And Gospel Matthew 11:28-30 is a passage that speaks directly to our need for hope and rest. Jesus’ invitation to come to him is extended to all who are weary and burdened, offering a refuge from the struggles of life. This invitation is not just a call to physical rest but a deeper spiritual rest that brings peace to our souls. Jesus understands the burdens we carry and offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. The imagery of a yoke suggests partnership and guidance; by taking on his yoke, we align ourselves with him, allowing him to share our burdens and guide our steps. This partnership is marked by learning from Jesus, whose gentle and humble heart sets an example for us. The promise of rest for our souls is comforting. In a world where we often feel overwhelmed and stressed, Jesus assures us that he is our source of true rest and peace. His rest is not temporary or superficial but a peace that sustains us through life’s challenges. This promise gives us hope, knowing that no matter what we face, we can find solace in Jesus. Reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of surrendering our burdens to Jesus. It requires trust and faith to let go of our anxieties and allow him to take control. This surrender is an act of faith, acknowledging that Jesus is capable and willing to carry our burdens. As we learn to trust him more, we experience the peace and rest he promises. The hope we find in Jesus is transformative. It renews our spirits and gives us the strength to persevere. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the nature of Jesus and his promises. It is a hope that empowers us to face each day with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. As we embrace this hope, we are called to share it with others. The hope we receive from Jesus is not meant to be kept to ourselves but to be a light for others who are struggling. Through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and simply being present, we can extend Jesus’ invitation of hope and rest to those around us. By living out this hope, we reflect Christ’s love and bring his light into the world. In practical terms, fostering hope involves daily practices that keep us connected to Jesus. Spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and being part of a faith community help us to stay grounded in our faith and renew our hope. These practices remind us of Jesus’ promises and keep our focus on him rather than on our circumstances. Prayer Lord Jesus, You are the anchor of my hope. In moments of doubt and despair, remind me of your promises. Fill my heart with your joy and peace, and let your hope overflow in my life. Help me to trust in your plans and to find strength in your presence. May your hope shine in me, guiding me through every trial and illuminating the path ahead. Use me as a beacon of your hope, bringing comfort and encouragement to those in need. Thank you for the gift of your eternal hope. Amen. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.’ Blessing May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. May you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, and may His hope guide and sustain you in all things. Amen.
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