What Jesus Did! 'Greater' — Luke 6:5

Saturday, March 18, 2023

[After answering the Pharisees' legalistic accusation against his disciples concerning the Sabbath,] Jesus added, "The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath."
— Luke 6:5 NLT

Key Thought

There were four great attributes of the Jewish faith in Jesus' day: the Temple in Jerusalem, circumcision of all Jewish males, "keeping kosher" with dietary/health restrictions, and keeping the Sabbath. There is no way to emphasize how radical Jesus' statement would have sounded in the ears of those who heard it, especially those who hated him. He was declaring himself more important than the Sabbath. If they had missed any of Jesus' other assertions about himself, they surely couldn't miss this one. He was confronting them with a choice — believe me and follow me totally, or reject me and go back to their old religion that was being superseded. That message is equally as powerful for us today. So much of what passes as Christianity is just modern culture with a religious good luck charm attached. Christianity, by its very nature, is counter-cultural living that reflects the character of Jesus. Jesus calls us beyond mere church going and superficial church stuff to a lifestyle that shows he is our Lord.

Today's Prayer

Righteous Father, make me passionately Christian, your child whose life reflects the character, compassion, and mission of your Son. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 11:29-32
  • Hebrews 8:7-13
  • John 14:6

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 6:5 NLT — [After answering the Pharisees' legalistic accusation against his disciples concerning the Sabbath,] Jesus added, "The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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