We are entering a passage of Luke which involves Jesus taking part in meals. Today Jesus is in the house of a leading Pharisee on a Sabbath day. And we are told that those present were watching Him. Suddenly, in front of Jesus, is a man suffering from dropsy. His presence is clearly no accident; He has clearly been 'planted' there. His hosts want to see what Jesus will do. If He heals the man, they will jump on Him for breaking the law. But Jesus strikes first. He asks them if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not. Put in that way, His opponents are reduced to silence. So Jesus heals the man and sends him on his way. And, in case they are still in doubt, He asks them whether, if a child or ox fell into a well on a Sabbath, would they make a rescue? They have no answer.

It is important for us too, never to allow laws to override the real needs of people. Still less to use laws as an excuse for not giving help.