An Atheistic Bible Study Of The Gospels Jesus Cures A Man Of Palsy

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Luke 14:1-6 Luke has shown examples of Jesus breaking the sabbath to heal the sick before and this is another example of that which as with my last Bible study, does not get mentioned in the other Gospels at all. Jesus is being watched closely by his strongest critics, the Pharisees and visits the house of one of their most respected members. This might be seen as a peace keeping act on the part of Jesus. While he is there, a man with cerebral palsy appears. His body is heavily swollen. It is not stated how this man comes to the house, or if he is invited inside, or treated just outside the property. His presence seems rather convenient. Either Jesus arranged his visit to show off what he is about to do, or the Pharisees have invited the man in order to put Jesus to the test. Jesus asks the Pharisees and Biblical law experts (there are more of them than just the house owner), how they feel about healing such a patient on the Sabbath. None of the men offers a reply. Jesus takes hold of the man, heals his palsy and sends the man away. Jesus tells his critics that if they had an ox or even a child that fell down a well, they would rescue it despite the Sabbath. None of the men has any counter-case to this so they stay silent. The implication of the silence is that the Pharisees are using this and similar miracles in their case for the crucifixion of Jesus. The fact that Jesus plays along, even if he didn't arrange the patient's visit himself, makes him a willing accomplice in his own fate. It could be that the miracle was faked, with a man only pretending to have Palsy, but even if genuinely cured, the event has not done the reputation of Jesus much good. He has played himself into a trap, and helped seal his fate on the cross. Youtube - The Neville Brothers - With God On Our Side Arthur Chappell