Luke 6:1-5
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 6:1-5 imagining yourself there in the grain fields experiencing the sights and sounds.
Though we tend to focus in on his miraculous acts, most of Jesus’ day-to-day activities as described in the Gospels are fairly unspectacular. On this Sabbath day he is simply taking a leisurely walk with his disciples through some fields and gleaning some of the leftover grain as was permissible by Levitical law (Leviticus 23:22).
it’s not difficult to surmise why the religious leaders happen to be out in the same field observing this mundane activity. They have seen enough to know that Jesus doesn’t speak or behave like other rabbis, and his surprising ways are beginning to disrupt the status quo.
Take a moment to become still and centered on Jesus. When you are ready, consider how you think about the concept of Sabbath rest. Does the word “Sabbath” sound restrictive or rejuvenative to you. Does the idea of taking time for purposeful rest feel more punitive or more like a gift?
Read Luke 6:1-5 again noticing the example Jesus gives.
It is possible to know the Scriptures backward and forward and still not understand God’s intentions. By citing the story of David using ritually sacred bread to care for himself and his companions, Jesus makes a very clear point. God is for people, and when God gives an instruction, it is meant for the good of the people God created.
Rituals can remind us of God’s presence, and it can be helpful to abstain from good things for a while to focus on God and grow closer in our relationship with Jesus. But here in the grain field Jesus demonstrates that legitimate human needs take precedence over mindless ritual-keeping.
And Jesus takes precedence over everything. Being with him is more important than being religious.
Stop to contemplate the quality of your relationship with Jesus recently. Are you finding life and joy in his presence? Something else? Share your thoughts openly with Jesus being sure to listen as much as you speak.
What might Jesus want you to learn or do after meditating on this passage?
How do you plan to follow through on that?
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