You would think that religious people would want to know the truth from God. Yet when Jesus came, they tried to trap Him by asking questions which they thought He would not be able to answer (Luke 20:20) so that they could accuse Him in the courts.  They were trying to prove that Jesus has no authority for God and no right to exercise a spiritual ministry – especially on God’s special day of rest for His people.  But Jesus always asked them another question to show the hollowness of their opinions and the godly authority of His ministry.

Today's reading shows Jesus setting the agenda and provoking the Pharisees into responding.  The Master was on a truth offensive, and all He did was to ask questions.  The debating style at the time was that whoever could not answer the last question had lost the argument (Luke 20:26).  They had no reply to the question about whether the Law of Moses allowed healing to take place on the holy Sabbath day; even though they had severely criticised Him for doing just that (Luke 13:10-17).  As they said nothing, they agreed that it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath.  

The end result was the complete opposite of what they wanted.  Instead of finding a reason to condemn Jesus, they knew that His words condemned them (John 3:18).  Instead of preventing Jesus healing the man, they tacitly gave their permission for Him to make the man better instantly.  He did it in front of them, proving that He had the power and right to heal.

Truth is interesting 'stuff'!  It is at its best out in the open.  But when it conflicts with what is wrong in people they often react negatively.  That is because truth demands that wrong is given up and that change should start.  When Jesus wants to get our attention, He will often put a question to us: ‘Is this thing, attitude, activity right or wrong?’  But He also speaks about what He wants to do in us, for us, through us and around us ... which we do not want Him to do!  He has the right and the power to do whatever He knows will glorify Himself and shower blessings on those who cooperate.  So, surely it is time to stop arguing and welcome whatever Jesus wants to do in your workplace, church and home.