1/17/14

1/17/14

Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, "Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?" (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) And he answered, "If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn't you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath." Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! (Matthew 12:9-13 NLT)

I love how Jesus never directly answers a question when he knows he is being cornered. He always makes his answer apply to his audience first, then they cannot condemn him for his answer. He was very thoughtful and crafty in his answers, never leaving an opening for judgement. I wish I was like that. But no, I all too often have to open my big mouth and have a enormous foot shoved in it. I wish I had the discernment of Christ, but I don't. I don't always think about what I am saying before I say it, and that can get me in trouble. Christ cares about the person that he is about to heal, so, he gives the Pharisees an answer that will condemn themselves if they condemn Him. Jesus is discerning and thoughtful. Another reason I want to be more like Him.

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