How should we respond when Jesus' actions challenge our beliefs? A Moment that Reveals Hearts “When He said this, all His adversaries were humiliated; but the people rejoiced at all the glorious things He was doing.” (Luke 13:17) Two Responses on Display • Adversaries—shamed, exposed, silenced • Ordinary people—thrilled, erupting in praise Every time Jesus acts, those same two options still stand before us. Why Jesus’ Works Can Shake Our Assumptions • He is Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5); His authority outranks tradition. • He loves mercy over ritual (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 12:7). • His ways and thoughts tower above ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). • He sees real people, not just policies—an eighteen-year bondage ends with one command. Healthy Ways to Respond When Challenged • Humble yourself—let truth overrule pride. – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) • Search the Scriptures afresh. – The Bereans were “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) • Celebrate what God is doing instead of clinging to what you thought He should do. • Align practice with plain teaching. – “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) • Refuse offense; choose blessing. – “Blessed is the one who is not offended by Me.” (Matthew 11:6) Practical Steps This Week 1. Read Luke 13:10-17 slowly; picture the synagogue, the crippled woman, the stirred crowd. 2. Identify any cherished habit or viewpoint that Jesus’ words confront. 3. Submit the issue to Scripture’s clear teaching; change course where needed. 4. Thank Him out loud for the “glorious things” He is still doing today. 5. Share the joy with someone else—testimony spreads freedom. The Joy Waiting on the Other Side When we lay down resistance, we find what the rejoicing crowd discovered: the Lord’s commands bring life, His corrections set people straight, and His glory turns ordinary moments into worship. Humility opens the door; joy rushes in. |
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