Mostly I prefer my idea of Jesus, one nicely fitting my little world. Unfortunately, I sometimes read the actual words of Jesus.
Luke 6 brings a pause as I consider my relationship to this enigmatic teacher. To first show he possessed the right to challenge everything, Jesus healed a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath.
The Sabbath rules stipulated that no work could be done on that day. The Pharisees considered healing to be work, so they watched Jesus to catch him in the act. Jesus healed anyway, reminding them that it’s lawful to do good on the Sabbath.
But I don’t think healing was work at all for Jesus. Healing someone for Jesus was as easy as me telling my friend, “Grab us a couple Cokes from the fridge and come watch March Madness.” I did no work, I just directed my friend to get something we both wanted.
Healing was that easy, because Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. He created the day, thought up the idea, laid out the laws to Moses. Jesus holds the world together. How does the manipulation of bones and flesh by his spoken word constitute work?
As I read the gospels I gain glimmers. Jesus lives as so much more than an idea, or a cultural icon, or an ancient teacher to quote when making a point. Jesus is Lord, and I must consider that fact deeply.
Week eleven of reading the Bible cover to cover
