#31 Luke 6:1-5 The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath

On August 8, 2021 by Amy Burgin

Joy:
Episode#31 Luke 6:1-5

Welcome

Amy: Welcome to The Christgazing Podcast. We are so glad you’re here. I’m Amy Burgin.

Joy:
I’m Joy Burgin

Amy:
If you’re anything like us, you long for God’s presence and holy direction amid your own wrong-thinking, unpredictable relationships with people you long to love well, and calendars and circumstances that breathe down your neck and masquerade as your boss. This podcast is for you.

Or maybe, you don’t really know who Jesus is, what he says about you, where you fit in or why you’re even here. This podcast is also for you. If you’re curious about Christ, put aside what the world says about him and see for yourself who he truly is.

Here, we offer few words of our own and make room for Christgazing, the act of gazing upon the beauty of the Lord. Each week we focus on one biblical passage as Joy reads it several times and creates stillness after each reading to consider what it is God wants us to know. In this, we make room for a living conversation with God under the great expectation that together, we will hear his voice and know him more.

We are in a series that takes us through the book of Luke focusing on the things Jesus said and did when he walked the earth.

Pour Out Your Heart to God

Amy:
Before Joy reads it, take the next minute to pour out your heart to God whether it be thanksgiving, anger, forgiveness, fear, a long to-do list, or nothing to do. Whatever is on your mind, name it, and bring it to the Lord in these next few moments.

[Pause and pour out]

What Does This Passage Say About God?

Joy:
I’m going to read today’s passage two times. As I read, consider the question, What does this passage say about God?

Luke 6:1-5 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Again?

Take the next few moments to answer the question, “What does this say about God?”

[Pause and know]

What Does This Passage Say About People?

Joy:
As I read the scripture again, consider the question: What does this passage tell you about people?

Take the next minute to answer the question: What does this passage tell you about people?

[Pause and know]

Lord, What Would You Have Me Know or Do Today?

Joy:
As I read for the last time, ask God the question, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?”

Take time to ask God, “Lord, what would have me know or do today?”

[Pause and listen]

Blessing

Joy:
Christgazer, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. May you keep your face turned toward Jesus today and know him more.

One Response

Amy:
Ever since Jesus began his public ministry, the religious leaders have been present, constantly accusing not only him but also his disciples.

In Episode #29, they complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

In Episode #30, they complained about his displaces when they said to Jesus, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, but yours go on eating and drinking.”

In today’s Episode, some Pharisees are at it again when they ask the disciples, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

These accusations and questions were directed straight to the disciples. Yet in each example, Jesus came to their defense and answered. I love that about him.

I’m reminded of several years ago. I had a conflict with another woman. I’m a peacemaker at heart and conflict feels crushing. I lamented this for weeks, unable to even sleep well. The accuser tormented me constantly and especially at night, “If you really were a Christian, you wouldn’t have this conflict in your life. You messed up and it’s evidence of your true identity as a woman who could never truly unite with God.” Exhausted and tired from weeks of these repeating words, I answered that accusing voice one night saying, “You’re right. I did not handle that perfectly. It wasn’t the first time and likely will not be the last. I stand guilty. Take me to the highest court. The Judge is my Father, Righteous and True, to Him I’m totally submitted. Whatever he says, I will do. And oh by the way, I have an Advocate in court who is my very brother, Jesus. He will defend my case, not me.”

Immediately, it was as if the presence of that accusing voice flew from me in a flash and I went straight to sleep and never heard from him again. I wonder if he even bothered going to court, knowing the case was already closed.

Do you have the voice of an accusing Pharisee in your ear? Some days I do but I hear the voice of Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

Closing

Amy:
Joy and I will be back again next week to go Christgazing together. Until then, don’t forget, when you put your trust in Christ, you are one in whom he dwells and delights, a dearly loved child of God. You are royalty in his strong and unshakeable kingdom. Though trouble abounds, Christ prevails and so do you.