Jan. 16, 2021
As Jacob returned to Canaan with his family, he feared his brother Esau might hold a grudge against him for Jacob’s trickery twenty years earlier (Genesis 27:41). However, the two experienced the joy of reconciliation when they met and embraced. Esau then departed for his own territory, while Jacob settled near Shechem in Canaan’s heartland. There, Jacob called on God, who had brought him home.
One of Shechem’s leaders took advantage of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter. Her brothers Simeon and Levi responded with an act of vengeance, slaughtering all the men of the town, and Jacob feared possible retribution from others in the land who would hear of his sons’ action.
The Pharisees (a group of religious leaders) accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking God’s commands regarding the Sabbath because the disciples were picking and eating grain on that day. Jesus said the Pharisees needed to understand the intent behind the Sabbath command; God intended the Sabbath as a blessing, not as a burden. Later that same day, Jesus restored a man’s shriveled hand. The Pharisees were upset by His actions, but Jesus told them doing good on the Sabbath was acceptable to God.
Jesus healed many others who followed Him but encouraged them to keep the news of their healing to themselves. In doing so, He fulfilled the words of the prophet Isaiah from seven centuries earlier. Isaiah had predicted the coming of Jesus, who would quietly but effectively bring in God’s kingdom (Isaiah 42:1-4; Matthew 12:18-21).
Make It Personal
- Do you need to reconcile with a family member or friend? Ask God to help you take the initiative.
- God intends His commands for our blessing. Why do you think some people see them as burdens?
- Jesus said God approves of us doing good for others on any day of the week (Matthew 21:12). What good can you do this week to meet someone else’s need?