God’s Standard Or Ours

Luke 6:1-11

One complaint by outsiders about Christianity is that it doesn’t seem to take reality with all the rules. The same thing had made the Jewish seem irrelevant in Jesus’ day. The problem is that we begin to enforce the rules as absolute in every case, the letter of the law. In doing so, we ignore the fact that while those rules have a purpose they are not to be enforced as an absolute standard. Romans 7:6 declares, “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”

The intent of the law was the protection of man, both from the judgment of God, and the from wickedness of man and the world around him. While man was forbidden to work on the Sabbath, provision was made for caring for his livestock or emergency situations. As is often the case, it began to be viewed as an absolute standard, and even made more specific guidelines, ignoring what God’s exceptions indicated. The result is exactly Isaiah’s prophecy, as quoted by Jesus in Matthew 15:8-9. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” In an effort to appear more holy, they set standards that set them farther from what God desires. This passage illustrates the very problem.

“And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?” (Luke 6:1-2)

The Jews had developed a standard that any physical exertion was forbidden on the Sabbath. While the Sabbath was not to be just another day, they were not forbidden to eat or participate in various other activities. The Jews had added to the law, forbidding many basic essential activities. Jesus cites an example showing historical precedent for the actions of his disciples. As he states, those laws are subject to God, not he to them. As a sovereign God, he has the right to overrule them at any time.

One of my biggest problems with the five point Calvinists is the belief that because God would have the right to say only certain people can be saved, that is the way he has to do it. While he does have that right, he says he has made it available to every one who chooses to believe. As a sovereign God, he is free to give people freedom to choose if he desires to do so, and he says he did. Their position actually seems to deny his sovereignty.

“And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungered, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the showbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” (Luke 6:3-5)

Most people become defensive when their beliefs are challenged. When Jesus demonstrated that the Pharisaical approach to the law could not be supported historically, they began to look for things to attack him on. It is much like most of the political ads leading up to the last election. There is no attempt to show a plan of action, just accusations that the opponent will destroy the system. Any action that can be construed as wrong will be highlighted.

“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. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.” (Luke 6:6-7)

Like the political candidates, the Pharisees and scribes were looking for any point they could use to discredit Jesus. Because he understood the law so much more clearly than they, he was able to show that their position was faulty. The law made provision for caring for those who needed help on the Sabbath, and Jesus pointed it out to them.

“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. 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? 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 6:8-10)

In their determination to prove they were right, these religious leaders forsook all logic and truth, just looking for some way to destroy Jesus. As I observed the irrational and unsupported accusations of some of the candidates, I began to understand a little better what Luke is describing.

“And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.” (Luke 6:11)

Such a determination to prove you are right, rather than to find out the truth is dangerous, but not uncommon among religious groups. It is not of God.