The One Year Bible New Testament for New Beginnings by DaySpring NLT, Filament Enabled - Book - Page 41
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Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by
eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. 5And haven’t you read in
the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath? 6I tell you, there
is one here who is even greater than the Temple! 7But you would not have condemned my innocent
disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’
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For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
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Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, 10where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The
Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were
hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)
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And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to
pull it out? Of course you would. 12And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law
permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.”
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Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored,
just like the other one! 14Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.
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But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area, and many people followed him. He
healed all the sick among them, 16but he warned them not to reveal who he was. 17This fulfilled the
prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:
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“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
He is my Beloved, who pleases me.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
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He will not fight or shout
or raise his voice in public.
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He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
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And his name will be the hope
of all the world.”
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E NCOU R AG E M E N T
As a new beginning dawns, we are reminded of this powerful truth in today’s reading: Our hope is in Jesus, not in ourselves. It’s not in our own wisdom or strength, not
in our own efforts, not in our attempts to do better or get things right this time. Our
hope is in him.
In a world that emphasizes self-suf昀椀ciency and self-improvement, making this
shift in our thinking can be tricky. Maybe you feel run-down from constantly trying
to do all the right things. Know that Jesus did not come to impose oppressive checklists but to care for those who are crushed. He will meet you in your weakness.
