Seeking Jesus First - March 27, 2026
“Did Not Moses Give You the Law?”
Please Read John 7:19–24 (NKJV)
Reflection
Jesus had just healed a man on the Sabbath, and the religious leaders were furious. They accused Him of breaking the law. Jesus turned the question back on them:
“Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill Me?”
He went on to expose their inconsistent judgment. They circumcised a male child on the Sabbath (a work of the law) so that the law of Moses would not be broken, yet they were enraged that He had made a man completely well on the Sabbath. “Do not judge according to appearance,” Jesus said, “but judge with righteous judgment.”
The leaders clung tightly to outward tradition while missing the heart of the law. The law was never meant to be a cold set of rules that ignored human need; it was always meant to reflect the mercy and justice of God. Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly — not by abolishing mercy, but by embodying it. Healing on the Sabbath was not breaking the law; it was fulfilling its deepest purpose.
In the Kingdom life, we are called to the same righteous judgment. Tradition and outward appearance can easily become idols. We can become so focused on “the rules” that we miss the heart of God — mercy, compassion, and restoration. Jesus challenges us to look beyond the surface and judge as the Father judges: with truth and love.
Application
Today, ask the Holy Spirit to show you any area where you may be judging by appearance or clinging to tradition instead of the heart of God. Renew your mind with Jesus’ words: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” Look for one opportunity today to show mercy where strict rule-keeping might be easier. Perhaps forgive quickly, extend grace to someone who has failed, or meet a practical need instead of waiting for the “right time.” Let your actions reflect the mercy of the Father who sent His Son to heal and restore.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your law and for sending Jesus who perfectly fulfilled it. Thank You that He showed us the heart of the law is mercy and love. Forgive us when we judge by outward appearance or cling to tradition instead of Your heart. Renew our minds today to judge with righteous judgment. Help us see people and situations as You see them — with compassion and truth. Let our lives reflect the mercy of Jesus, who healed on the Sabbath and calls us to do the same. In His name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.