Sermon 112

📖 Sermon 112 – The Man with Dropsy and True Sabbath Keeping

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 14:1–6

Introduction

Jesus enters the house of a Pharisee on the Sabbath, and a man with dropsy stands before Him. The scene reveals the coldness of legalistic religion and the compassion of the Lord of the Sabbath. Christ exposes hypocrisy and teaches the heart of true mercy.

I. The Trap Set for Jesus

A. Jesus was being watched
The Pharisees did not invite Him to honor Him, but to find fault with Him.

B. The afflicted man was placed before Him
He may have been used as bait — a tragic display of heartless scheming.

C. Jesus knows their thoughts
He asks a simple question: “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” They refuse to answer.

II. The Compassion of Christ

A. He heals the man instantly
Mercy triumphs over ritualism.

B. He sends him away whole
The man is dismissed restored, a silent testimony against their hardness.

C. Christ defends His act of mercy
“Which of you shall have an ox or an ass fall into a pit… and will not straightway pull him out on the Sabbath?” Their own practice condemned their outward piety.

III. The Exposure of Hypocrisy

A. They could not answer Him again
The truth was too plain.

B. Legalism ignores human need
It values rules above compassion.

C. Jesus reveals the true spirit of Sabbath keeping
The Sabbath is a day for mercy, rest, and blessing — not for burdensome regulations.

Conclusion

Christ still exposes hypocrisy and reveals God’s heart of mercy. True religion relieves suffering, lifts burdens, and honors God through compassion. Let us examine our own hearts and seek the spirit, not merely the form, of godliness.