“He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. 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 than 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.”

Matthew 12:9-14 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.12.9-14.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” How do you define “good”? Jesus seems to be dealing with the desire to control here. The Pharisees had many exact laws that describe what can and cannot be done on the Sabbath. Where these for God’s will or a manipulation to “control” God? Are our actions for God’s will or to somehow earn control? Please pray that we and our friends ask God for His purpose for our lives today. Please pray for Brad.