For the sacred men leading Jerusalem their commandments were always more important than compassion. Jesus had no problems with God’s commands. He created them! Jesus was God in a bod! But, Jesus had big problems with those who valued their traditions above loving people. So, the Jewish leaders were at odds with God. The third sign Jesus performed, a Sabbath healing, and its aftermath, makes the conflict clear. Jesus did a compassionate miracle. The Pharisees were mad, not glad! And that was too bad for them.

Big Idea:  Love wins! Love trumps tradition.

Personal Big Idea:  Don’t let tradition get in the way of loving the people God loves.