What Jesus Did! 'Genuine Worship' — Luke 14:1-6

Saturday, September 2, 2023

One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, "Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?" When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away. Then he turned to them and said, "Which of you doesn't work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don't you rush to get him out?" Again they could not answer.
— Luke 14:1-6 NLT

Key Thought

We often get our priorities so bent out of shape when it comes to worshiping with other disciples. We can argue over the style of songs that are sung, the dress that is appropriate, and even the color of the carpet. Yet God is much more interested in the integrity of the heart that worships him than he is in the polished facades we seek to support. God longs to bless people [1] — to forgive them and make them whole. We must never forget this passion of the Father that was so often demonstrated by his Son, Jesus. Let's remember that worship is, in large measure, blessing others as well as honoring God.

[1] 1 John 4:7-8; James 1:27; Psalm 82:3-4.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, please be with me each time I prepare my heart to worship you with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Open my eyes to see how I can bless and strengthen them as I also praise and worship you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 10:23-26
  • Luke 10:30-37
  • John 5:15-17

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 14:1-6 NLT — "Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?" —— "Which of you doesn't work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don't you rush to get him out?"

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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