Jesus...Hated for Good!

Luke 6:6-11 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. (7) And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. (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. (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? (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. (11) And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. 

As I continue to read the New Testament...specifically the Gospels, I am regularly bewildered by the religious leaders of Jesus’ day.  They are almost always mentioned as being present where Jesus is teaching and such and yet, they are not only NOT impressed but ANGERED.  They quite literally hate Jesus and every time he does something beneficial for others, they despise him all the more.

In our text today, Jesus is healing yet another of the countless people that happens upon him.  This particular person crossed paths with Jesus at an unfortunate time, on a Sabbath day.  And that is what the religious leaders decide to make the issue on this given day.  Jesus knowing their thoughts asked if the Sabath was for doing good or doing evil.  Because they did  ot have an answer, Jesus went forth and restored the man’s crippled hand.

These religious leaders remind me of modern day politicians.  They can overlooked good because it does not benefit THEM.  Jesus’ notoriety and fame served them in no way and for that reason, they had to bring him down.  Whether we like it or not, people do not always want what is best for others.  Sometimes they only care what is best for them.  We may have expereinced similar kinds of people.  We have to have the mind of Jesus and just keep pushing on.  Jesus ran into this on a daily basis...even to the point of this death, but he kept on keeping on...and so must we!

Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.