January 9, 2025 Daily Dose of Discernment

“It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” (Jn 4:50)

After suffering from an illness (he was probably lame) for thirty-eight years, a man is finally healed. Instead of rejoicing with him, all that the supposed people of God in Jerusalem are concerned about is him carrying a pallet and therefore violating the Sabbath. Something is very wrong here.

Over-the-top religiosity is not godlikeness. If we meticulously fuss about every jot and tittle of the law, we will miss the point. God wants us to be sensitive to the spirit of His law, not its letter. And His Spirit is always concerned for the welfare of His people, which is the supreme law. This is why He sent Jesus, for man to have life in fullness. And that fullness of life will make us want to join His Son in His mission for the salvation of the rest.