Two weeks ago I read the story written below and I can’t get it out of my mind. Though I’ve read it many times before, this time it keeps “haunting” me…in the best possible way. Take a moment to read it and then let me tell you what I love about it.

Luke 6:6-11, “On another Sabbath Jesus went to the meeting place and taught. There was a man there with a crippled right hand. The religion scholars and Pharisees had their eye on Jesus to see if He would heal the man, hoping to catch Him in a Sabbath infraction. He knew what they were up to and spoke to the man with the crippled hand: “Get up and stand here before us.” He did.

Then Jesus addressed them, “Let me ask you something: What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?”

He looked around, looked each one in the eye. He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” He held it out—it was as good as new! They were beside themselves with anger, and started plotting how they might get even with him.”

I love that Jesus is not afraid. He is NOT AFRAID. Not of man, or circumstances, or people’s opinions, or potential loss of reputation. He does what God leads Him to do, no matter what. And God’s heart is always for the good of the people; for bringing the full healing and wholeness of God into their lives.

At the time Jesus healed this man’s hand He knew that the majority of the audience He was in front of were just waiting to “catch” Him breaking the Sabbath law by doing work. He knew what they were thinking and that all eyes were on Him….waiting.

In order to protect His own life and reputation, Jesus could have chosen not to heal this man. Or He could have chosen to heal him in private. But knowing what the Pharisees were up to, Jesus called the man up in front of everyone. In front of everyone! Jesus knew what the Pharisees were thinking and He looked them right in the eyes and confronted them. Publicly! Then He healed the man’s hand right in front of them.

Jesus didn’t shrink back. He was bold as a lion and yet compassionate and loving toward the man who needed healing.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

What is God challenging you to do that will ruffle the feathers of people who cling to tradition more than they cling to God? Simply living a life like Jesus will do that. Be encouraged today that when you receive opposition for doing what Jesus would do, you are not alone. Jesus lived a perfect life and yet the religious leaders, who loved their position rather than God, did everything they could to kill Him. We, too, will receive opposition for following in the footsteps of Jesus. But let’s do it anyway as we take heart in His example of boldness and love.