It was the Sabbath, a very sacred day for us Jews. You see, our law explains quite clearly that we are not to do any form of work on the Sabbath. So, you can imagine my shock this one particular Sabbath. I was walking near the synagogue when I heard a commotion. A man with a shriveled hand was talking to a teacher.

“He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored.” Luke 6:10

Thankfully some Pharisees were nearby and witnessed the same thing. I moved closer to hear what they were saying. They were furious at this teacher, Jesus, and began to discuss what they might to do him. I even heard one of them say that this wasn’t the first time Jesus had broken the law of the Sabbath. In fact he was so bold as to tell the Pharisees that, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” What does that mean, I thought to myself?

Put your feet in the sandals of these Jewish people for a moment. Throughout the New Testament, the Pharisees (teachers of the law) were constantly stirring up trouble for Jesus. They questioned Him on every word He spoke. They accused Him of breaking many laws. They were, as scripture says, furious with Jesus on many occasions, and ultimately convinced Roman authorities to crucify Him. But how would you feel if everything you believed from the time you were young was being put into question by this radical man named Jesus?

In Deuteronomy 6, we see a glimpse of just how serious Jewish law was. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Now I love these particular Old Testament scriptures. In fact, I have them posted on the front door of our home. I guess what’s different for me than the Jewish people of that day is I see grace woven through these words. I see truth declared in a loving way. I find a Loving Father who wants me to hold His Words close at all times.

The Pharisees hated being challenged in their thinking. This was a radical shift to what they had always believed and in turn taught. The sad part is they could only see the law, not the Savior who was offering truth, grace, forgiveness and eternal life to all people. It’s as if it was too simple to accept.

If truth be told though, we all get caught up in legalism sometimes. We shout out truth, but we lack love. We cast judgment on others, but ignore the sin in our own life. We refuse forgiveness when He declared, “forgive them for they no not what they do.”

Thank you Jesus for loving us despite our Pharisaical behavior sometimes.