But the Lord answered him and said, ‘Hypocrites! Doesn’t each one of you untie his ox or donkey from the feeding trough on the Sabbath and lead it to water?’
Luke 13:15
Hypocrisy has always been a big problem. Even recently, with the application of covid standards, we saw all kinds of hypocrisy. Sometimes things were considered necessary, while other things were considered not necessary. And yet the standards were not applied consistently. It seems there was one standard for the general public, and another for political elites. Humans are full of sin and naturally hypocritical if we do not have the light of God living within us.
In this situation Jesus is highlighting the fact that the Jews realized feeding their animals on the Sabbath was necessary. It was not an infraction of their worship of God to care for basic needs. The Sabbath laws were intended to keep people from doing unneeded work, and in that way they would honor the Lord on that day. But instead, by their traditions, they had changed God’s law in such a way that the hurting could not seek help on the Sabbath day.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect way, and Your perfect standards. In spite of the fact that sin is abhorrent to You, You have made a way for even what we might consider the ugliest of sinners to be saved to the uttermost through Jesus Christ. Your plan for this world is the best plan, and will lead to the most Glory for You. But what we often miss, is that it is the best plan for us, and will lead to what is best for our lives. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.