Matthew 12: 9-14- Avoiding Legalism, Seeing Needs

Read Matthew 12: 9-14-

Jesus knew what was happening around him. He still saw where the needs of people were in spite of the discontent of the religious leaders. The man at the temple with the withered hand had a need and Jesus meant to meet this man’s need. I know I need to spend time recognizing the needs around me. Jesus also knew the religious leaders’ legalism was on display and He wanted them to see the need of people as a higher priority than their rules and regulations.

Jesus said this in verses 11 through 14, ‘He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man that a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, how to destroy Him.’

I also need to pray I will see life’s situations as real and not be so afraid of what I believe that I ignore Jesus working around me just so I will remain comfortable. That is what the religious leaders were doing at the end. “Don’t blind me with the facts because I have power and position to protect!” Jesus needs us to be better than that.   

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