The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath

This meditation is based on a passage for May 16, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 6:1-11

Reflection and Question: The profound difference in the way Jesus and the Pharisees see things continues to trouble the church right now. On the one hand, the Pharisees dwell on getting the details of the law just right. On the other, Jesus highlights the principle of the rules and finds a way to bring the principle to life in the moment He finds Himself. We recognize these different perspectives in the question, “Are we missing the forest for the trees?” Both ways of seeing have their place in life but, with regard to following Jesus, which do you choose: the principle or the details, the forest of the trees? Why?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, Love Divine, so inspire our hearts and minds that we may draw lessons for our living from these clashes between Jesus and the Pharisees. May we apply the principles Jesus taught every day and invite others to join us as well. Amen.