Hard Working Hypocrite

And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—that they might accuse Him.  Matthew 12:10

Their legal eyes watchful as they gathered in the synagogue, the group of legalists known as Pharisees saw him there. Yes, it was this new rabbi and his disciples. The watchmen of God's law stared intently, plans forming in their minds to test yet another man of whom the people asked, "Could this be the One?" Their record of success in this regard was perfect, as sooner or later the victim would be tripped up by a point of the law, a transgression. Their duty to the law would be served, another victory to celebrate. And here was the Sabbath where even the hint of working could be the violation to be exposed! 

In his place by the back wall, one young Pharisee started at a niggling little thought in his mind. Duty, keeping watch, forming plans, testing... sounds like a lot of work. Guys, we're working on the Sabbath! He almost blurted it out, but was stopped for fear of the tongue lashing the senior Pharisees would use in their anger. Being a Pharisee was a good job too, one his mother wanted to see him succeed at for her sake. Job? There it was again! 

Told that way, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees seems a charming amusement. We mourn for those long ago hypocrites though, and we strive to deny hypocrisy a place in our lives by the strength of our Lord's Holy Spirit. 

May the love of the Lord Jesus bear you up this week,

Bucky