All Things Made Anew: Luke 6:1-11
Ok – so we left Chapter Five and we are now in Chapter six. What you will find is the scripture feels the same. Another story of Jesus and the Pharisees. There is two parts to this conundrum. One, the original scripture did not have chapter and verse numbers. So, we are really not “technically” in a new chapter. At some point in History (who’s going to look it up – think Nicaea) the experts make divisions in the text.
The second part of the conundrum is what theologian’s think. They say it is because Luke 5:17-39 focuses on Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. Luke 6:1-11, however, shifts specifically to conflicts over Sabbath observance. The text takes a deeper exploration of Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath and His compassion.
I’m not so sure. It’s the same text – so we keep it here as a continuation of Chapter 5. My blog- my rules!
New here? Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, Click Bible icon at the Bottom, then click Plan. After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
The second part of the conundrum is what theologian’s think. They say it is because Luke 5:17-39 focuses on Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. Luke 6:1-11, however, shifts specifically to conflicts over Sabbath observance. The text takes a deeper exploration of Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath and His compassion.
I’m not so sure. It’s the same text – so we keep it here as a continuation of Chapter 5. My blog- my rules!
New here? Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, Click Bible icon at the Bottom, then click Plan. After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Day 1: The Disciples Pick Grain
Key Scripture: Luke 6:1
Parallel OT Scripture: Deuteronomy 23:25
When I was a kid on the farm I loved walking in the wheat fields. I do not remember eating the wheat as much as I did trying to bite raw ear of corn (only once) and devouring blueberries. Yet, here we are on a Sabbath, Jesus’ disciples walk through grainfields and begin to pick heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands to eat. This was perfectly lawful according to Deuteronomy 23:25, but it becomes the spark for a confrontation over Sabbath traditions. You would think Chapter six would bring a break – but nope. The Pharisees see this as a breach of their strict interpretation of the law. So what do we do with this verse. Not much – be annoyed yet again at the Pharisees,
Devotional Thought: But, we can reflect on how sometimes human traditions can overshadow God’s intent. We can all be bad at times…. Are there areas in your life where you prioritize rules over relationships?
Key Scripture: Luke 6:1
Parallel OT Scripture: Deuteronomy 23:25
When I was a kid on the farm I loved walking in the wheat fields. I do not remember eating the wheat as much as I did trying to bite raw ear of corn (only once) and devouring blueberries. Yet, here we are on a Sabbath, Jesus’ disciples walk through grainfields and begin to pick heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands to eat. This was perfectly lawful according to Deuteronomy 23:25, but it becomes the spark for a confrontation over Sabbath traditions. You would think Chapter six would bring a break – but nope. The Pharisees see this as a breach of their strict interpretation of the law. So what do we do with this verse. Not much – be annoyed yet again at the Pharisees,
Devotional Thought: But, we can reflect on how sometimes human traditions can overshadow God’s intent. We can all be bad at times…. Are there areas in your life where you prioritize rules over relationships?
Day 2: The Pharisees’ Accusation
Key Scripture: Luke 6:2
Parallel OT Scripture: Hosea 6:6
Like the fasting last week, the Pharisees immediately accuse the disciples of breaking the Sabbath law. Their focus is on rigid adherence to regulations rather than the disciples’ need for sustenance. Jesus’ response will soon shift the focus to God’s desire for mercy and compassion rather than sacrifice.
But, here is where I plant a flag in the ground. Luke starts this Pharisee spying business very early in his gospel. In a few months you will see how I believe this drives Jesus underground in the parables and he starts to speak in a kind of code. Remember, if you did not already know, Lukes Gospel is about righteousness for the poor and marginalized. Right now, the Pharisees are piling on! Luke is creating momentum for his spin on the story.
Devotional Thought: So, I dropped Hosea back in here for a reason - Hosea 6:6: “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” This. Is a new dialogue about showing compassion instead of judgment? My wife gets mad at me for being so forgiving all the time. (Maybe they were having a bad day…) Anyone else guilty?
Key Scripture: Luke 6:2
Parallel OT Scripture: Hosea 6:6
Like the fasting last week, the Pharisees immediately accuse the disciples of breaking the Sabbath law. Their focus is on rigid adherence to regulations rather than the disciples’ need for sustenance. Jesus’ response will soon shift the focus to God’s desire for mercy and compassion rather than sacrifice.
But, here is where I plant a flag in the ground. Luke starts this Pharisee spying business very early in his gospel. In a few months you will see how I believe this drives Jesus underground in the parables and he starts to speak in a kind of code. Remember, if you did not already know, Lukes Gospel is about righteousness for the poor and marginalized. Right now, the Pharisees are piling on! Luke is creating momentum for his spin on the story.
Devotional Thought: So, I dropped Hosea back in here for a reason - Hosea 6:6: “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” This. Is a new dialogue about showing compassion instead of judgment? My wife gets mad at me for being so forgiving all the time. (Maybe they were having a bad day…) Anyone else guilty?
Day 3: The Lord of the Sabbath
Key Scripture: Luke 6:3-5
Parallel OT Scripture: 1 Samuel 21:6
Like last week, we see Jesus reminding the Pharisees of the old writings in the OT. Here, Jesus reminds the Pharisees of how David and his companions ate the consecrated bread that was only lawful for priests. By referencing David, Jesus highlights that human need takes precedence over ceremonial law. He then declares, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath,” asserting His divine authority over the law.
One aside here, if you are watching the Prime Video show about David, they don’t tell you the price Samuel paid for His sons eating the first/best of all the offerings. Something so wrong that David also does it. Jesus is making an interesting exception to the sins of Samuels sons and David. Why would he? (Hint: Last week’s sermon was all about this.)
Devotional Thought: This is a tuff reflection given what I just said. But here it goes because it is what Jesus did…. How can you trust in His authority and let go of legalism in your life? How does this truth give you freedom?
Key Scripture: Luke 6:3-5
Parallel OT Scripture: 1 Samuel 21:6
Like last week, we see Jesus reminding the Pharisees of the old writings in the OT. Here, Jesus reminds the Pharisees of how David and his companions ate the consecrated bread that was only lawful for priests. By referencing David, Jesus highlights that human need takes precedence over ceremonial law. He then declares, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath,” asserting His divine authority over the law.
One aside here, if you are watching the Prime Video show about David, they don’t tell you the price Samuel paid for His sons eating the first/best of all the offerings. Something so wrong that David also does it. Jesus is making an interesting exception to the sins of Samuels sons and David. Why would he? (Hint: Last week’s sermon was all about this.)
Devotional Thought: This is a tuff reflection given what I just said. But here it goes because it is what Jesus did…. How can you trust in His authority and let go of legalism in your life? How does this truth give you freedom?
Day 4: Healing on the Sabbath
Key Scripture: Luke 6:6-7
Parallel OT Scripture: Exodus 20:8-10
Here we go again - a similar verse. We are knocking these out so hang in there….
On another Sabbath, Jesus enters the synagogue and encounters a man with a shriveled hand. But now we see the intentions of the Pharisees. They are watching closely, hoping to catch who? Jesus - breaking the law by healing. Their legalism blinds them to the man’s suffering and the opportunity for restoration.
But... back to my comment on day 2 – Luke is being clear (IMHO) that this is all commanded by higher authorities… and Jesus knows it. But most readers in chapter 6 do not… yet. (Well, you do!). Happy face here!
Devotional Thought: Yet, we need to focus on the biblical question at hand. Are there times when you’ve allowed rigid thinking to cloud your ability to extend grace?
Key Scripture: Luke 6:6-7
Parallel OT Scripture: Exodus 20:8-10
Here we go again - a similar verse. We are knocking these out so hang in there….
On another Sabbath, Jesus enters the synagogue and encounters a man with a shriveled hand. But now we see the intentions of the Pharisees. They are watching closely, hoping to catch who? Jesus - breaking the law by healing. Their legalism blinds them to the man’s suffering and the opportunity for restoration.
But... back to my comment on day 2 – Luke is being clear (IMHO) that this is all commanded by higher authorities… and Jesus knows it. But most readers in chapter 6 do not… yet. (Well, you do!). Happy face here!
Devotional Thought: Yet, we need to focus on the biblical question at hand. Are there times when you’ve allowed rigid thinking to cloud your ability to extend grace?
Day 5: Doing Good on the Sabbath
Key Scripture: Luke 6:8-9
Parallel OT Scripture: Micah 6:8
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, BINGO – Winner, winner Chicken Dinner. Jesus asks: “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” His question cuts to the heart of the matter and in a way validates my point earlier. He knows this is a set up.
Think about it – Jesus was there on the Seventh Day! The Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and restoration, not a burden that prevents acts of mercy.
Devotional Thought: Let’s consider Micah 6:8 as a kind of distraction from the obnoxious pharisees. Micah reminds us: “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Remember earlier in the week I said my wife thinks I am a push over…. It’s the back end of this verse I relate too, “to love mercy and to walk humbly.” How about you? What is your threshold for stupid? You know what I mean!
Key Scripture: Luke 6:8-9
Parallel OT Scripture: Micah 6:8
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, BINGO – Winner, winner Chicken Dinner. Jesus asks: “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” His question cuts to the heart of the matter and in a way validates my point earlier. He knows this is a set up.
Think about it – Jesus was there on the Seventh Day! The Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and restoration, not a burden that prevents acts of mercy.
Devotional Thought: Let’s consider Micah 6:8 as a kind of distraction from the obnoxious pharisees. Micah reminds us: “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Remember earlier in the week I said my wife thinks I am a push over…. It’s the back end of this verse I relate too, “to love mercy and to walk humbly.” How about you? What is your threshold for stupid? You know what I mean!
Day 6: The Miracle of Restoration
Key Scripture: Luke 6:10
Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 58:13-14
I’m glad we could push this verse to Saturday. Jesus tells the man to stretch out his hand, and it is completely restored because, in the bible times, Today, Saturday, is the Sabbath! This miracle demonstrates the true purpose of the Sabbath: to bring life, healing, and renewal.
What do the Pharisees, (our paid persecutors - again IMHO) do? They respond with fury, plotting against Jesus. So they are now ready to run it up the chain of command. And you thought Marks Gospel moved fast!
Devotional Thought: Let me step back a bit and ask – as this scripture begs us to consider, are there areas in your life where you need His healing touch? How can you embrace the “Sabbath” as a time for personal and spiritual restoration?
Key Scripture: Luke 6:10
Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 58:13-14
I’m glad we could push this verse to Saturday. Jesus tells the man to stretch out his hand, and it is completely restored because, in the bible times, Today, Saturday, is the Sabbath! This miracle demonstrates the true purpose of the Sabbath: to bring life, healing, and renewal.
What do the Pharisees, (our paid persecutors - again IMHO) do? They respond with fury, plotting against Jesus. So they are now ready to run it up the chain of command. And you thought Marks Gospel moved fast!
Devotional Thought: Let me step back a bit and ask – as this scripture begs us to consider, are there areas in your life where you need His healing touch? How can you embrace the “Sabbath” as a time for personal and spiritual restoration?
Day 7: The Response to Jesus
Key Scripture: Luke 6:11
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 2:1-2
Surprise – it’s Sunday and we are only now finishing. I wanted you all to bring this text into the sanctuary today. The Pharisees are filled with rage and begin to discuss what they might do to Jesus. Their obsession with rules blinds them to the beauty and power of His miracles. Yet, Jesus’ actions reveal the heart of God, and they refuse to see it.
What do we do in response to this vitriol? Nada – We come into worship knowing that this is all part of God’s plan. We breath deeply and sing doxology five times to ourselves.
Imagine doing that every time someone really ticked you off?
Devotional Thought: So going into worship today, how can you fully surrender to His authority and trust His ways? Maybe even forgive those that really make you mad!
Key Scripture: Luke 6:11
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 2:1-2
Surprise – it’s Sunday and we are only now finishing. I wanted you all to bring this text into the sanctuary today. The Pharisees are filled with rage and begin to discuss what they might do to Jesus. Their obsession with rules blinds them to the beauty and power of His miracles. Yet, Jesus’ actions reveal the heart of God, and they refuse to see it.
What do we do in response to this vitriol? Nada – We come into worship knowing that this is all part of God’s plan. We breath deeply and sing doxology five times to ourselves.
Imagine doing that every time someone really ticked you off?
Devotional Thought: So going into worship today, how can you fully surrender to His authority and trust His ways? Maybe even forgive those that really make you mad!
Posted in Lenten Season 2025
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