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.