Jesus would not allow religious traditions and rules about the Sabbath to get in the way of helping people (John 5:8-10). He repeatedly challenged these traditions. A priest and a Levite would not go out of their way to be contaminated by the blood of a robbery victim. It was a good Samaritan that came to the rescue. Our involvement in religious things must not get in the way of helping people. John Wesley said, “Acts of mercy take precedence over acts of piety.” How can we really worship if we intentionally avoid human need and suffering?
“Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.’ Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day. So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, ‘It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.’” John 5:8-10 (NASB)
