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‘And it came to pass, as He went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched Him.’
Luk_14:1
I. His Sabbath works (Luk_14:1-6).—All His works may be summed up in one word—‘Who went about doing good’ (Act_10:38). And the Sabbath was no exception. As the Father does good by carrying on His works of providence, so the Son His works of grace (Joh_5:16-17). See on the present occasion. He finds a poor man in the house suffering from dropsy. Without waiting for an application for help, He anticipates the sufferer’s wants (Isa_65:24; Psa_59:10). He anticipates also the thoughts of the murmurers’ hearts (Luk_14:3; Mat_9:4; Heb_4:12-13; Rev_2:23). He performs the good deed of healing (Exo_15:26; Jer_17:14). He justifies Himself at the expense of His enemies (Luk_14:5-6; Rom_3:9). They were really annoyed with Christ, because He did good upon the Sabbath (1Jn_3:12-13; cf. Joh_10:32-33).
II. His Sabbath words (Luk_14:7-11).—Like His works, they were always good. He always turned the conversation to what was important and edifying (Eph_4:29). Thus was He the faithful and true Witness (Joh_18:37). One is inclined to be silent in the presence of the wicked (Psa_39:1-2), but not so Christ. See on the present occasion how He improves the opportunity. From the feast He leads their thoughts to the gospel feast (Luk_14:16). From their taking seats at table He teaches them humility (Luk_14:8-11). Christ’s eye is upon us in the commonest actions (Psa_139:2). He sees us take our place at table, and remarks upon it. He bids us esteem others better than ourselves (Php_2:3; 3Jn_1:9). Pride goes before a fall (Luk_14:9; Pro_29:23). Before honour there must be humility (Luk_14:10; Pro_15:33; Pro_25:6-7).
Let us not fail to lay these things to heart. I fear that with many of us Sunday words and Sunday deeds are not what they should be. How much time is lost in idleness or foolish talking! Let us listen to the words of the Apostle, when he calls us to be followers of Christ (Eph_5:1-2; Eph_5:4; Eph_5:16).
—
Bishop Rowley Hill.
Illustration‘All God’s people always had the institution of the Sabbath. There was first of all the patriarchal Sabbath instituted of God, which was the life of the family, and for this patriarchal or family life God instituted the seventh day as a day of rest. This was followed by the Jewish or national institution, with additional ceremonial observances. And then, last of all, followed the Christian Sunday, which included the family and the national life, and also the whole world. First, the seventh day, then the Sabbath and the ceremonial observances, and then, last of all, the Lord’s Day. The Sabbath, under the Jewish régime, became almost a purely ceremonial observance; it overlapped everything, even to absurdity. So the institution of the Lord’s resting day had been over-larded by effete, absurd, and exacting ceremonials. Then comes our Lord and Master, and gives us very definitely the law about the Christian day of rest—the Lord’s Day.’