A Critical Sabbath Healing

A Critical Sabbath Healing

One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, “Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?” When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away Luke 14:1-4

From Luke’s description of the man with swollen limbs, it’s likely he had edema (sometimes called dropsy), which happens when fluid builds up, especially in the legs and feet.

Though edema can be a side effect of some modern medications, at the time of Jesus it was likely caused by either congestive heart failure, kidney failure, or an even more serious condition. In a modern setting, a patient with these symptoms would be admitted to the hospital immediately, possibly even to the ICU, for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment would include bed rest, salt restriction, and diuresis to remove the stress of the extra fluid on the heart and lungs.

In today’s verse, Luke notes that it was the Sabbath. Breaking the Sabbath—even to heal someone—while in the home of a leader of the Pharisees would go against prevailing Jewish beliefs. But Jesus didn’t worry about cultural norms and man-made rules. When he asked whether it was okay to heal on the Sabbath, he wasn’t asking for permission; he was asking the Pharisees what they believed.

When the Pharisees didn’t answer his question, Jesus didn’t hesitate to act. He knew that without help, the man could die at any moment. So Jesus intervened, even if it meant breaking the Pharisees’ rules. He knew that his Father’s will superseded anything that man could contrive.

God loved this man enough that Jesus healed him, even on the Sabbath. He loves you just as much and can heal you just as quickly, regardless of any man-made obstacles that are put in the way.

TODAY’S RX

Have faith that Jesus sees your needs. If God so chooses, no man-made obstacle will stand in the way of your healing.

Jesus, thank you for acting out of love rather than following a set of rules. Help me to have that same compassion for the people you put in my life. I desire to see them through your eyes.