Selections from Luke 5:36-39 & 6:1-11

Pastor Rob was speaking today on the fact that by being Christians we are called to a dangerous faith, a faith of unpredictability. The faith Jesus calls us to is one of relationship not religion. The pharisees wanted the predictable, a religion, something all about commands, rituals, and religious activity. They were mostly concerned with the externals. As we see Christ in action we note that his concern was the thoughts and hearts of the people, just as what God is really concerned with. Being clean wasn’t just about some outer appearance, but an inward state of mind. He brought a change in ethics, turning the tide on self-centered religion. The pharisees were also more concerned about keeping themselves clean and “holy” rather than getting involved in the lives of “sinners,” and seeking out those that needed to be cleaned and turn their hearts to God. Jesus brings in a new era, bringing the kingdom of God to earth and puts in no uncertain terms that he’s not going to be doing the same old things. He brings a new way. He changes the idea of what is acceptable on the Sabbath, since he is God and therefore it is his to control. He makes it clear that meeting the needs of the people, saving their souls and doing good is more important than rituals. That to do good things on the Sabbath for someone else, like healing them, is not sinful. Jesus makes clear he prefers compassion above sacrifice. He wants us to know that we need to avoid getting hung up in tradition and programs. The words, “Well we’ve never done it that way before” shouldn’t be seen as negative in the church. We need to be willing to do things differently if it will reach more people with God’s love.