Yes, Jesus did perform healings on the Sabbath. This aspect of His ministry was notable for highlighting His authority and understanding of the law, in contrast to the prevailing interpretations of the religious leaders of His time. Here are some Bible verses that exemplify this:
- Luke 13:10-17 – Jesus heals a woman with a disabling spirit on the Sabbath, emphasizing the value of liberating those in bondage regardless of the day.
- Mark 3:1-6 – Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, confronting the Pharisees with the question, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?”
- John 5:1-18 – Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for 38 years near the Pool of Bethesda and tells him to take up his bed and walk, leading to controversy because it was the Sabbath.
Three Main Takeaways:
- Compassion Over Convention: Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath highlight His emphasis on compassion and mercy over strict adherence to religious conventions. He demonstrated that acts of kindness and healing were not just permissible but necessary, even on the Sabbath.
- Lord of the Sabbath: Through these healings, Jesus illustrates His authority over the Sabbath. He declares Himself the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), asserting His divine prerogative to interpret and fulfill the law.
- Challenge to Legalism: These incidents were direct challenges to the legalistic interpretations of the law by the religious leaders. Jesus critiqued their understanding of the Sabbath, pointing out that the Sabbath was made for man’s benefit, not as a burden (Mark 2:27).
