Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

September 30: Zechariah 7-9; Luke 13

Scripture: Luke (NIV) 13:14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”
15 The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water?
16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

Observation: Their priorities were mixed up. In reality, they treated their animals on the Sabbath better than humans. They were indignant because of Jesus’ action. Jesus was indignant because one created in God’s image was of less value than their animals. Jesus was not saying that they should ignore or mistreat their animals but he was saying that humans are more important than animals.

Application: What would Jesus say to our nation? We have fines and prison terms for those who would destroy the eggs of endangered birds. But we approve businesses that destroy hundreds/thousands of unborn human babies each year? In judgment, Jesus will be indignant! How could he be any less?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help us to value the people around us as our Heavenly Father values them. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!