What Jesus Did! 'Saved from Destruction' — Luke 6:8-9

Friday, March 20, 2015

But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said to the man with the crippled hand, "Get up and stand before these people." The man got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which thing is right to do on the Sabbath day: to do good, or to do evil? Is it right to save a life or to destroy one?"
— Luke 6:8-9 NLT
Illustration of Luke 6:8-9 NLT — "Get up and stand before these people." —— "I ask you, which thing is right to do on the Sabbath day: to do good, or to do evil? Is it right to save a life or to destroy one?"

Key Thought

The way the religious folks in Jesus' day had figured it out in their tradition, if it wasn't life-threatening, then on the Sabbath it could wait till tomorrow. Jesus saw it differently. To not do what you can do to bless someone in need is "doing harm" or "destroying a life." We are not sure if we will get tomorrow, so we'd better do that thing to bless others when we have the chance. It may not come again. Jesus' example reminds us that to do good for someone trumps legalistic religious rules and procedures every time!

Today's Prayer

Give me eyes to see the opportunities to bless others today and each day, O LORD, and help that spiritual vision to endure in me until you bring me home. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • James 4:13-17
  • Galatians 6:7-10
  • Luke 6:31

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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