Episode 80 — Luke 6:6–11 — Is It Right to Do Good?

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s fantastic  to be here with you today.
Today is March 21.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
We carry so much around every day — financial worries, relational stress, anxiety about the future, and the pressure to succeed.
Now is the time to set those things down for a few minutes and enjoy some time with Jesus.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, I trust You.”
As you exhale, pray: “Open my heart to Your compassion.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read
On another Sabbath day, a man with a deformed right hand was in the synagogue while Jesus was teaching. The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.
But Jesus knew their thoughts. He said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” So the man came forward. Then Jesus said to his critics, “I have a question for you. Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?”
He looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him.  (Luke 6:6–11, NLT)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a phrase that surprises or challenges you?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread
Hear the words again slowly, listening for what Jesus might be saying to you personally.

Meditate
Jesus knows the critics’ thoughts and still chooses to call the man forward. He doesn’t avoid the conflict; He places the hurting person in the center and asks a piercing question:
Is the Sabbath for good or evil, for saving life or destroying it?
The answer seems obvious, but their silence reveals their hearts. They would rather preserve their system than see this man restored. Jesus is grieved by this, yet He still heals. Compassion moves Him, even when it provokes rage.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Where might Jesus be asking me a similar question—Is this moment for doing good or for looking away?

Respond
Jesus, thank You that You move toward people in pain, even when it’s costly.
Give me courage to choose compassion, especially when it’s inconvenient.

Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Tell a Story of Answered Prayer
Today, think of one time God has answered a prayer in your life—big or small.
Look for an opportunity to share that story with someone: “Can I tell you about a time God answered a prayer for me?”
As you share, silently pray: “Jesus, use this to point them to Your goodness.”

Starting tomorrow, we will have a special guest leading the meditation for the week. My daughter Kylie Oyler will be leading us for the next 7 days. I am so excited to give her this opportunity.

That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.