Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” And they had nothing to say. Luke 14:5-6
Jesus again shares a practical example for those watching and listening. He says that if an animal or child needed help on the Sabbath, they would certainly act immediately. Sometimes what Jesus teaches us in His lessons is plain common sense.
Then Jesus connects the farm or family illustration to our brothers and sisters, in this case the man with the illness. He tells us this constitutes a physical and spiritual emergency, similar to the ox or child in the well example. While Jesus isn’t indicating we could cure this man alone, He is admonishing us to be aware of the need and to bring him to God in prayer.
Too often we miss or ignore the needs of others, due to the circumstances or the setting or our own busy lives. Jesus says we must take Sabbath rest, but not as an excuse not to act. We must be on watch, like spiritual emergency personnel, ready to pray for and serve others who desperately need our love and care.
Loving Lord, without You, we can do nothing. In Your name, all things are possible. Help us to see the needs in our world and respond to Your call to share Your love with everyone. Amen.