Daily Devo | Was Jesus a Lawbreaker? (New Testament in a Year, John 5:1-24)

After healing a man who had been unable to walk for many years, Jesus tells him to pick up his mat and walk, but the miracle takes place on the Sabbath, provoking anger from the religious leaders. Did Jesus break God's Sabbath law or merely the traditions surrounding it? And if he broke the law, was that ok? When is it right for us to break God's law? Jesus claims a unique authority that comes from his relationship to his divine Father. Does Jesus give us a similar authority when carrying out his will?

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For Reflection:

- Why do you imagine that the religious leaders focused more on the law than on the healing?

- When, where, or why do you think it might be ok to break human laws? What about God's laws?

- How can religious habits, traditions, or rules help with following and honoring God? How might they distract or hurt that same purpose?

- Prayer: Jesus, open my eyes to your work and purposes, and help me follow you with grace, truth, and compassion.