There are certain stories we have in the gospels that just clearly illustrate the difference between the heart of Jesus and the approach of the religious leaders.  There is one found in Luke 13 that I would like to look at today. 

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. 14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” 15 The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” 17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

Of course we all know that Jesus had compassion on people.  Time and again He breaks down barriers and crosses lines to help others.  In this instance He sees a woman who has been suffering for 18 years.  He knows it is the Sabbath and He knows how others will respond but He doesn’t want her to suffer a moment longer.  He also wants to teach the Synagogue leader and other religious leaders something important.  He pointed out their hypocrisy on this issue and also showed them how important God’s children are to Him.  The religious leaders were so caught up in God’s law that they were missing the heart of God for His people.  Jesus came to show us that and to ultimately show it in the greatest way by giving up His own life for us. Today thank Jesus for His great compassion and love that He showed then and continues to show every day in our lives!

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave