Our Motives

Now that day was the Sabbath.

So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed." But he answered them, "The man who healed me, that man said to me, 'Take up your bed, and walk.'"

- John 5:9b-11

After Jesus heals the disabled man by the pool, John mentions that the event took place on the Sabbath. Jesus' "work" on the Sabbath creates tension between the religious leaders and Jesus. It is a sad commentary on the heart condition of the Jewish religious leaders. Although the man was not breaking any biblical Sabbath laws, he violated their rabbinical code. Perceiving to be right was more important to them than doing right. Instead of celebrating the man's healing from a crippling disease, they immediately charge him for "working" on the Sabbath.

Brothers and sisters, our political, religious, and cultural views have gotten in the way of helping and loving people around us. What is getting in your way of serving those around you? Let us look to Jesus and ask Him to renew our motives by purifying our hearts today.