Place of the Sabbath

Background

Luke 1:1–9:50 4. Rise of Opposition: Three Controversies (5:33–6:11)

The three parts of 5:33–6:11 show their unity not only by sharing the issue of controversy but by concluding with the note that the scribes and Pharisees discussed what they might do to Jesus. Thus, in the space of three short events the opposition moves from mere protest to a resolve to stop Jesus. Luke has now recounted five consecutive controversies: Jesus’ claim to forgive sins (5:17–26) and his openness in eating with sinners (5:27–32) were not his only provocative activities; now we learn that he does not fast (5:33–39), that his disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath (6:1–5), and that he heals on the Sabbath (6:6–11). Jesus’ authority creates a reaction and meets with rejection.

Pharisees Rules

Human Needs

God’s Will

Luke 6:9 ESV

And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?”