LET’S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT

“Get up and stand here in front.” —Luke 6:8

Jesus healed the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath. Jesus was “in your face” about doing this healing. The text shows that Jesus intentionally challenged the Pharisees on this issue (Lk 6:8-10). Jesus sometimes healed people privately (see Mk 5:40ff; 8:23ff). However, on this occasion, Jesus not only healed the man, but had him come stand up in front of everyone before He healed him (Lk 6:8). Jesus began the overturning of an unjust mindset by a public act of love and healing. This healing was also a direct challenge to authority not open to His Father’s plan, and would intensify His future suffering and lead to His own death (Lk 6:11).

Don’t be afraid to give the world “something to talk about.” Jesus tells us to put our light on the lampstand so that all may see it. Then all will see your good works and some who see will give glory to God (Mt 5:15-16). Others who see them might persecute you. Then your suffering will give even more glory to God. If you must suffer for being a Christian, then praise God! (1 Pt 4:16)

Prayer: Father, give me the spiritual gift of discernment so that I may know when to keep my actions secret (Mt 6:1-18) and when to make them public (Mt 5:15-16; Jn 3:21). May I always seek to glorify You and never bring attention to myself (1 Cor 10:31). In my life, Lord, be glorified.

Promise: “Get rid of the old yeast to make of yourselves fresh dough, unleavened loaves, as it were; Christ our Passover has been sacrificed.” —1 Cor 5:7

Praise: Joan gave up a lucrative job when her children were born so that she might better help lay their foundation in Christ.