Introduction

Luke 6:6–16: Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath. This action angers the religious leaders who are looking for a reason to accuse Jesus of wrongdoing. Jesus chooses his twelve apostles, and many people throughout the region come to Jesus for healing. Jesus begins to teach the crowd that had come to hear him speak.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 6:9

[Jesus said:] “I ask you: What does our Law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To help or to harm? To save someone’s life or destroy it?”

Reading

On another Sabbath Jesus went into a synagogue and taught. A man was there whose right hand was paralyzed. Some teachers of the Law and some Pharisees wanted a reason to accuse Jesus of doing wrong, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to the man, “Stand up and come here to the front.” The man got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you: What does our Law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To help or to harm? To save someone’s life or destroy it?” 10 He looked around at them all; then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand became well again.

11 They were filled with rage and began to discuss among themselves what they could do to Jesus.

12 At that time Jesus went up a hill to pray and spent the whole night there praying to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon (who was called the Patriot), 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became the traitor.

Reflect

How does Jesus respond to those who challenge his healing someone on the Sabbath (verse 9)? How would you respond to Jesus’s question? What do you think caused the stubbornness of the religious leaders in today’s reading? Have you ever encountered similar resistance or stubbornness within your community of faith? If so, how was the situation resolved?

Pray

Lord Jesus, help me to remember your words and to live each day in ways that are pleasing to you. May my words and actions reflect your love and bring honor and glory to you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 6:17–26: Jesus teaches and heals many people.