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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

People Count Most!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, I want you to see My example and hear My words in the verses below. They coalesce into one, simple, clear message: People count most! ..."
The Great Invitation
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Seeker, Yesterday, I warned about one false way to approach My invitation to the table of grace — you should not come with a haughty and....."
Bored to Life
Article by Phil Ware
Is rest really necessary for holy and whole living? Phil Ware talks about the importance of rest and the Sabbath principle.
Who Sits at Your Table of Grace?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, You have been blessed with great honor to be included at My table of grace! When you come and remember Me at what you call "the Lord's....."

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?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, September 2, 2023

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Righteous Reign of Grace' (Ro. 5:18-24)
"Dear Father, bestower of eternal life, How amazing that, even though one man's disobedience leads to condemnation, the obedience of Jesus acquits us,..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Song of Songs 1:4
"Jesus will not let his people forget his love. If all the love they have enjoyed should be forgotten, he will visit them with fresh love. "Do you..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Pray in the Spirit' (Ep. 6:18)
"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 16:31
"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life."

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.

More What Jesus Did!