Andy Talks

Reflections with Andy - Luke 14: 1-6 - A Life Close to Holiness

Andy Stoddard

In Luke 14; 1-6, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath while dining at a Pharisee’s house, knowing full well they’re watching to see if He’ll “break” the law. But Jesus exposes their hypocrisy by asking if they wouldn’t rescue their own child or ox that fell into a well on the Sabbath. Of course they would. He reminds them—and us—that the heart of the law is mercy, not rigid rule-keeping. The Pharisees had become so focused on legalism that they missed God’s compassion. Jesus didn’t come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, showing that true obedience flows from love, not pride. It’s easy for us, too, to slip into thinking holiness is about getting everything right. But the imperfect life that clings to grace is closer to God than the perfect life convinced of its own righteousness. So today, let’s lean on grace, love others well, and remember that God desires hearts of mercy more than mere rule-following.

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