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Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out?

Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? (Matthew 12:11)

Jesus' ministry stressed wholeness and holiness. He showed a care and compassion that was not being shared in the religious practices of His day. Emphasis was more on the do's and don't's than on grace and love. Earlier in this chapter, Jesus and His disciples are hungry and so help themselves to grain in a field. This was forbidden by the law, for it was against the law to do any work on the Sabbath; and to pick grain to eat it, was not allowed. Yet, if He and His disciples did not eat they risked the danger of greater things like starvation. Jesus also countered the arguments charged against Him by quoting the law. Then, as He enters the temple, there was a man with a withered hand; the accusers of Jesus asked, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" Then the question for today: "Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out?" The question hits home for most people owned or were related to people who owned, sheep, and thus knew the limitless efforts that would be taken by such to save such a lamb. To own only one sheep and to risk losing it would mean that person would do anything to save it. Would not God do the same for the one person in need, such as this man?

The question asks us if we are aware of God's great love and care for us. Do you know your worth in God's eyes? Do you know the limitless energy and effort God will undertake to save you?

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