Dave Dishman

Hungry, Jesus and his disciples started pulling heads of grain off wheat stalks. Local Pharisees protested because it was the Sabbath, and Sabbath rules prohibited the plucking of plants.

Jesus answered their objections from the Scriptures, then added an extra provocation: The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath. Without hesitation Jesus walked into the Pharisee’s local synagogue, where they taught and held sway, and healed a man with a deformed hand. Healing was also prohibited on the Sabbath, but Jesus reminded everyone in attendance that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

How did the now shamed and embarrassed leaders respond? They went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.

Why such anger? Because when Jesus performed miracles and proclaimed the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath, Jesus was also saying and I am Lord of you. These religious leaders did not miss the meaning behind the words. A man stood in front of them claiming to be God in the flesh. Claiming to be their Lord. They were having none of it.

Just like back in the day, Jesus stands in front of you and me and declares I am Lord of you. Every one of us decides if we will acknowledge his lordship or conspire against him, even if that conspiracy simply involves ignoring his entreaties. Jesus is Lord whether you and I and the entire world admits it or not. Refuse him and remain a person twisted toward pride and selfishness, or bend the knee and gain entry to new life.

Matthew 12:1-14

Photo by apricity

I learn from a lot of sources. I read various news outlets, I enjoy books, and I take in a sermon most every week. Over the years I’ve benefited from wonderful teachers, starting all the way back in elementary school. At the university level I’ve been enrolled in five different degree programs and completed three. That’s a lot of instructors, and outstanding professors opened my mind to fresh insights and knowledge.

But none taught with the authority and profundity of Jesus. He encouraged those considering him to take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jesus invites you and me to learn from him. Take Jesus on as your professor. Don’t just mouth the red letter words, but fully invest and complete the degree program. Bind yourself to his teachings and lead your soul to rest.

There’s not better teacher and no better course. Lock in and learn the material, and enjoy where the Lord takes you.

Matthew 11:29-30

Photo by Headway

While enjoying a dinner party with a crowd of interested seekers, a gaggle of Pharisees barged in and confronted Jesus about the guest list. Jesus gave these religious leaders a kick in the pants: Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

Pharisees were fastidious in tithing and sacrificing, but looser in their concern for the fate of immortal souls.

Like the Pharisees, I tend towards sacrifice. It’s easier. Take giving to my church for example. I believe it’s important to support local ministry efforts. I contribute monthly through an automatic electronic withdrawal. As the payment leaves my account I pay little attention, if I notice at all. It costs me, but it’s hardly a sacrifice.

Mercy, on the other hand, is way messier. It requires diligence. I have to pay attention and respond to people around me, listening and noticing those who need help. I must move toward someone in order to be merciful. They need my eyes to see them, my words to acknowledge their pain, and my hands to pick them up. Mercy is not monthly, but moment to moment.

Of course, sacrifice involves so much more than a contribution. Sacrificial acts and mercy go hand in hand. But some sacrifices feel transactional, while mercy involves giving without getting. Too often I focus on the things I’m giving up for God rather than the folks my gifts are intended to help. Mercy prods me away from myself and towards the people God places in my life.

Matthew 9:10-13

Photo by Rémi Walle

In our modern era leprosy (now called Hansen’s Disease in honor of the Norwegian physician who first identified the underlying bacterial cause) is curable with antibiotics. Very few cases remain around the world. Amazingly, leprosy is not even highly contagious, so hugging a person with Hansen’s disease comes with little risk.

But not the case when Jesus walked among the people. Lepers were outcasts. Often resulting in terrible disfigurement, the disease triggered dread and aversion. Before antibiotics appeared (in the 1940’s) no cure existed…except for Jesus: And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Before Jesus no one cared for those with leprosy. After Jesus his followers started to take notice. They asked themselves, If Jesus took the risk to give dignity to those with this terrible disease, should we not do so as well?

Saint Gregory, an early church father, urged Christians to assist victims of the disease. Others followed suit. Although not everyone agreed, small groups of caregivers continued to aid those with leprosy right up until a cure was discovered. Some of these brave souls contracted the disease themselves.

What moved men and women to touch a leper? Quite simply, their commitment to Jesus. The call to love their neighbors as themselves, and the realization that this world is merely a prelude to an eternity with a new body, helped them realize that suffering is temporary and glory waits in the next life.

Every person with this terrible disease is a person of infinite value made in the image of God. Brave souls took that to heart and put their faith into practice.

Would I have touched a leper? I really don’t know. I’m afraid I would have taken a wide path in the other direction. So I’m moved by those unafraid to walk straight up and care for people in such dire need.

Jesus changes lives. He healed the leper, and he healed the vanity and selfish nature of those who cared for lepers over the centuries. Here’s a striking example of how Jesus changes lives. Don’t sell him short—he might just change yours and mine as well.

Matthew 8:1-4

Photo by the blowup