"How Are You Doing?"

"I'm Doing Pretty Good; I Think?"


There is a presence in the religious sector that has been in existence ever since the beginning of time that encourages the judging of one another. The presence that I speak of is the presence of pride that develops in ones life when they are living according to the law and closely watching others; comparing them with the critical eye of judgement. In Bible times there was a group of people that were following this belief as well called the Pharisees and they have been watching every move that Jesus made trying to prove that He was a sinful man just like the rest of us. It really bothered them that a man would go out into the world to do good and not be bothered that he had no worldly possessions or career! Jesus was teaching and healing people from their sicknesses. This created quite a stir of course and He had many that followed after Him. The thing that Jesus wanted His disciples to realize was that they were not going to make everyone like them all of the time and when this happens, they should choose to do what is right. Every little decision was not going to be spelled out in the Law and they shouldn't try to get so technical about making a simple good or bad decision.

In chapter six of Luke we find that the Pharisees have been questioning why Jesus and His disciples were pulling corn off of the cob to eat on the sabbath day? Jesus reminded them of what David, their leader, did when he was hungry in verse three,

Luke 6:2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
Luke 6:3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was hungry and they which were with him;
Luke 6:4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the bread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
Luke 6:5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

What David had done was against the Laws of their Religion but he had done what he had to do at the time. Then Jesus reminds them that He is the Lord of the sabbath! I can imagine that these people who were questioning Him before were really upset now that He had told them He was the Lord of the sabbath.(seventh day of the week) let's look at the word "Lord" in the Greek so we can get a clear understanding of what these people heard Jesus saying in verse five.

The Greek word for "Lord" is kurios
It is pronounced koo'-ree-os
From κῦρος kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller; by implication Mr. (as a respectful title): - God, Lord, master, Sir.

So Jesus told the Pharisees that He had supremacy and was the one who controlled the sabbath! In other words, "If you want to question someone, question yourselves because I am in complete control of what happens and what doesn't happen on the sabbath! After all, I made the sabbath day in the first place and choose to make it a day of rest." Jesus didn't have to be accepted by these people and He knew that He was doing what He was here to do and it was good!

Do we ever get caught up in the act of looking at everyone around us, especially at church, to see if anyone is doing something that we don't quite agree with or that we consider to be a compromise of our principles?

In verses six through nine Jesus is questioned again by the scribes and Pharisees for healing a man's hand. I know without a doubt that Jesus knew before He performed this miracle that He was going to be questioned! It even says in verse eight that He knew their thoughts, so why did he go ahead and do it? Aren't we suppose to do only the things that do not offend our brothers? Aren't we suppose to, so to speak, "tip-toe through the lilies" so that we don't hurt anyones feelings? Shouldn't we just love and not rock anyones boat? Let's see what happens here as Jesus knew what they were thinking!

Luke 6:6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
Luke 6:7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
Luke 6:8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

Jesus didn't hesitate to do what was right! He didn't discuss it first and make sure there was a majority vote of agreement that He should do this! Jesus acted in love and compassion for this man just as He would have wanted him to do for himself, had he been the man with the withered hand. We should learn from His example here and realize that it doesn't require a one hour counseling session to know how to treat our spouses when they have a problem or how to help someone who has a problem with finances. We should look at the situation and say, "What would I want them to do if it were me in this situation?". Jesus wanted these people and His disciples to learn to do good! Jesus wanted His disciples to learn to save lives! Let's read the next verse,

Luke 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
Luke 6:10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Luke 6:11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

These people were so judgemental and so self centered that they were literally filled with madness when this man's hand was healed!

My friend, I plead with you today that you wouldn't find yourself following the crowd of self-righteous people who would rather judge than to reach out in time of need and suffering; who would point there finger and find someones faults rather than see their needs and love them regardless of all circumstances! I challenge us all to follow Jesus example though the world may try to find fault in what we do! It is important to always remember to do what is right to all people! Even praying for those who despitefully use you and that is not the easiest thing to do but God will hear our prayer. Let's look at a few more verses that will bring this lesson to a close,

Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

If you have decided in your heart today that is is better to save lives and do good than it is to do what everyone else expects of you, you may not always be the one who s popular ad appreciated. You may even find yourself being scrutinized and criticised for doing things without the permission of the majority! You may find yourself as I have, being accused of trying to reinvent the wheel!

Some people don't like it when we step out and begin to do something new and different! Especially if you have always fit into the mould! I was this way for many years and I finally realized that I cannot follow God and follow the life that men want me to live too. I cannot ignore the things that God gives me a passion to do and listen to the advice of men or I will aways be as the Pharisees were; bound by the laws of their people instead of free to follow the leading of the Spirit of God that dwells in me!

Jesus didn't come to this world to set us into bondage! He came that we would find freedom in our relationship with Christ! Freedom to do what is good and to give life!

Let's pray,

My Lord and Savior, you have graciously given your life for me that I may have the freedom to live a life without condemnation and I thank you for your sacrifice! You have been so good to me and my desire is to do the same for others. Give me the opportunities to do so, regardless of what others may say or think. I ask you for all your blessings on my life! In Jesus name, amen.

Philipians 4:13 - I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!

AN AWESOME VIEW OF GOD'S GOODNESS! Check out this video!

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