October 1 - John 5:1-47, Mark 2:23-28, Matthew 12:1-8, Luke 6:1-5, Mark 3:1-6, Matthew 12:9-14, Luke 6:6-11, Matthew 12:15-21

Good morning everyone,

Today as we begin we find Jesus pool side near the Sheep Gate where He engages in conversation with a man who, we’re told, has been invalid for thirty-eight years. Jesus has compassion on this man and asks him if he wants to get well. The man answers by explaining to Jesus that he has no one to help him get to the healing pool. Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” And so he did.

This healing took place on the Sabbath, it’s interesting that the Bible records seven Sabbath miracles. The number "seven" in the Bible represents perfection and completeness. There are seven colors in the rainbow and seven notes in a musical scale and seven days of the week. Sadly, the Pharisees didn’t see it quite the same way as Jesus. They didn't care that a man who had been crippled for 38 years had been healed. Their focus on rules blinded them to Jesus' miracle. They classified healing as doing work, they actually thought God would be displeased if Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath day. It made them especially mad when Jesus told them that he was God's son, and that since God worked on the Sabbath, he could too. Jesus purposely called God "my Father" instead of "our Father." He sent a strong message to these Jewish leaders, and they got it.

For you and for me as Christians, Jesus is our rest, our Sabbath. Matthew 12:8 tells us, “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” We rest in Christ and his finished work on the cross for our salvation. He is God’s plan for us to cease from the labor of our own works.Only a fool would reject this one-and-only Way of salvation. I would encourage you to let Jesus become your Sabbath. Trust in him alone and his work on the cross as the final payment for your sins. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all ….