A Man with Dropsy

 Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Man With Dropsy
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The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Man With Dropsy
by Martin G. Collins
Forerunner, "Bible Study," May 15, 2014
Christ’s miracle of healing a man with dropsy (Luke 14:1-6) is the last healing He performed on the Sabbath. This time, it is not in a synagogue but in the house of one of Judaism’s chief Pharisees. Why was He invited to eat with the lawyers and Pharisees? Luke records that “they watched Him closely.” Their suspicious attitude set the initial mood for the meal and their intentions toward Jesus: They wanted to discover a way to make an accusation against Him. The miracle occurred under the malicious scrutiny of enemies who especially criticized Him for His healing on the Sabbath. They sat and ate with the Son of God, yet they were so blind, they could not see who He was. As a consequence, they did not know Him.

Sabbath dinners, famous for their festive entertainment, were an integral part of Jewish social life. The Pharisees were well known for their own careless approach to the Sabbath, often feasting and drinking excessively, but at the same time, they nitpicked how others kept it. They had no reservations about throwing a party on God’s day, but to heal the sick on the Sabbath was, to them, unforgiveable (Mark 3:1-6). Jesus accepted invitations to feasts (Luke 15:1-2), and was known to enjoy eating and drinking with publicans and sinners. He knew the Jewish leaders would use occasions like these to condemn Him.