Jesus was being watched closely by scribes and Pharisees, especially on Sabbath days.  They had many rules, regulations and restrictions to which all were to adhere, to be Jews in good standing.  And Jesus wasn’t fitting into the mold!

  The scribes and Pharisees were aghast at Jesus’ disciples, they actually “worked” on one Sabbath when they rolled some heads of grain in their hands and ate the kernels.  Another Sabbath Jesus had even healed a man…in the synagogue.

Jesus used both instances to teach what the Sabbath is really all about…it is a holy day set apart by God, we are commanded by God to “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)

Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ by worshiping on the first day of the week. (We refer to Sunday as our Sabbath.)  This day is for our good, to give us rest from the six days we work.  Jesus said, “The Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath.”  He also said, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:5, 9)

Jesus was not deterred from God’s will for Him by anyone!  So, you are also encouraged not to be deterred from God’s will for you…by anyone!  Is your path in accordance to God’s words?  If not, you need to reconsider the path you are on.

How did Jesus ascertain God’s will?  He knew Scripture!  He prayed!
(NASB) Luke 6:12 “It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.”

Jesus found solitude, away from the pressures of people.
Jesus purposed to pray, He prayed all night.
Jesus was dependent on His Father.  He did God’s will, God’s way.
Jesus had an important decision to make which would impact the world then…and still does today.

What was this important decision?  This devotional will answer that tomorrow…

Jesus is to be your Guide, your Example…are you following Him so as not to be deterred from His plan for you?