Kingdom Principle: Jesus is resolved to go to Jerusalem and to die as a sacrifice for the people. There are many times when the Pharisee’s try to deter him from his mission. But to no avail. Jesus is not intimidate by empty threats or appeals to tradition. And neither should we because His Spirit lives within us.   

1. __________________________ of the Men

Luke 14:3-4 (ESV) 3 And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” 4 But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away.

Jesus does not shy away from confrontation. He calls the Pharisees out to their face. 

In the ancient world, it was customary for people to come in and spectate at large dinner-parties especially those held by somebody of dignity, or respect, or social status. It was unthinkable, however, to come in off the street, unannounced, uninvited, to a dinner-party being held by a Pharisee.

Jesus is outnumbered and outmatched but he is not afraid.

“Dropsy was an old medical term describing excessive accumulation of watery fluid in the body that presented as swollen limbs and tissue. A primary symptom involved an unquenchable thirst in a body already bloated, where drinking only intensified the victim’s thirst and worsened the disease. Technically, dropsy was not itself a disease but rather indicated that another serious medical problem—such as heart, kidney, or liver disease—was present. 

The religious elite held distinctive views about dropsy’s spiritual significance. Some rabbis argued that dropsy resulted from sexual offenses… reflecting a broader tradition that viewed dropsy as God’s judgment, either for sin or uncleanness. Jewish sources like Shabbath 33.1 explicitly stated that dropsy was the punishment of transgression.”  Logos Bible Software

Discernment is found in maintaining the principle of a truth but not insisting on a specific practice or application of that principle.

Psalm 95:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 

Ephesians 5:19 (ESV) — 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 

1. _______________________ of Rome

Luke 13:31–32 (ESV) — 31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. 

[Herod] Antipas ruled as tetrarch for 43 years. An astute politician, he was more temperate than either Herod the Great or Archelaus [his brother], though he was often indecisive. His rule was peaceful, and like many other Herodian rulers, Antipas became known as a builder (Hoehner, Herod Antipas, 264–65).

Luke 23:6–16

Acts 4:29 (ESV) — 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness…

Questions to Consider

• In what way is God calling you to be more bold in your day to day relationships and circumstances?

• How do we depend upon the Spirit of Christ to speak boldly for truth?

Author: Robert Lowrie