The Value Of Human Need In God's Kingdom

The Value of Human Need in God's Kingdom: A Sermon on Luke 6:1-11

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Let us turn our hearts and minds to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6, verses 1 through 11. Here, we find two seemingly separate incidents – Jesus and his disciples plucking and eating grain on the Sabbath, and Jesus healing a man with a withered hand, also on the Sabbath. At first glance, these might appear as simple stories of Jesus encountering religious tradition. But as we delve deeper, we discover a profound truth about the very heart of God's Kingdom: the immense value God places on human need.

Let's first consider the scene in the grain fields (Luke 6:1-5). The disciples, hungry after their travels and ministry, did what was natural – they satisfied their immediate need by taking some heads of grain and eating them. The Pharisees, ever watchful for any deviation from their strict interpretation of the Law, immediately accused them of breaking the Sabbath.

Jesus' response is not a dismissal of the Sabbath, but a re-prioritization. He reminds them of King David, who in a time of great hunger, entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. Jesus then declares the powerful truth: "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

What is Jesus saying here? He is not abolishing the Sabbath, a day God Himself ordained for rest and worship. Rather, He is revealing its true purpose. The Sabbath was made for humanity, to serve our needs for rest, reflection, and connection with God. It was not intended to become a rigid, heartless system that prioritizes ritual over the well-being of people. The disciples' hunger was a genuine human need, and in the face of that need, the letter of the law took a secondary position to the spirit of compassion.

Now, let us turn our attention to the synagogue (Luke 6:6-11). Jesus encounters a man with a withered right hand. His physical need is evident, a constant reminder of limitation and perhaps even shame in a society that valued physical strength. The scribes and Pharisees are present, not with hearts of compassion, but with a sinister agenda: to see if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath, giving them grounds to accuse Him.

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, doesn't shy away from the confrontation. He calls the man forward, placing him in the center of their attention. Then, He poses a piercing question: "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?"

Their silence is deafening. They are trapped by their own rigid interpretation. They could not deny the goodness of healing, yet their adherence to their understanding of the Sabbath prevented them from acknowledging the profound human need before them.

With a mixture of sorrow and righteous anger, Jesus looks around at them all. Then, with a simple command, He says to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And as the man obeyed, his hand was completely restored.

This miracle is not just about physical healing; it is a powerful demonstration of God's heart. Jesus shows us that in God's Kingdom, human need is not an inconvenience to be ignored, but an opportunity for divine action. The Sabbath, meant to be a day of blessing, becomes a day of profound healing because Jesus prioritizes the restoration and well-being of this individual.

What can we, as followers of Christ in Nigeria today, learn from these two seemingly simple stories?

Firstly, we are called to cultivate hearts of compassion that are sensitive to the needs around us. Just as Jesus saw the hunger of His disciples and the physical limitation of the man in the synagogue, we must open our eyes to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our neighbors, our communities, and our nation.

Secondly, we must re-evaluate our priorities in light of God's love for humanity. Are we sometimes so caught up in rules, traditions, or even our own comfort that we fail to see and respond to the genuine needs of those around us? Do our religious practices ever become barriers to showing God's love in practical ways?

Thirdly, we are reminded that God's Kingdom is not a cold, rigid system, but a realm of love, mercy, and restoration. Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, demonstrates that God's ultimate desire is for our wholeness and well-being. He is not pleased by empty rituals that neglect the suffering of His children.

Fourthly, we are challenged to be bold in extending God's love and care, even when it goes against the expectations or criticisms of others. The Pharisees were incensed by Jesus' actions, but He did not let their judgment deter Him from meeting the needs before Him. We too may face opposition when we choose to prioritize compassion, but we must remember whose approval truly matters.