Well, in one sense, the Pharisees were obeying God's word. They certainly kept their "eyes fixed on Jesus" (Heb 12:2). "They observed Him closely" (Lk 14:1).

They observed where Jesus was seated and then placed the man with dropsy "directly in front of” Jesus (Lk 14:2). Sadly, their hearts were so closed to mercy that they had no compassion for the dignity of the poor suffering man, inviting him only for the purpose of challenging Jesus to break the Sabbath rest by performing a healing. This is evidenced by the fact that Jesus understandingly relieved the man of his awkwardness by sending him on his way after healing him, though the meal wasn’t over (Lk 14:4). That poor man had suffered enough, but the Pharisees did not observe his embarrassment not Jesus’ graciousness.

When you observe Jesus for the purpose of fitting Him into your plans, you can "look intently as you will, you shall not see" (Mt 13:14). This is because you "have firmly closed [your] eyes" to Who Jesus truly is (Mt 13:15). Repent of any allegiance to the secular culture, to the "god of the present age," which blinds you to the truth about who Jesus is (2 Cor 4:4). Ask God for the ointment of the Holy Spirit of truth "if you would see once more" (Rv 3:18). Then, freed of spiritual blindness, you "may see and know, observe and understand" that Jesus is Lord (Is 41:20).

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