Poke the Bear
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:1-11
Luke chapter six begins with two pericopes about the Sabbath. In the first, the disciples are plucking grain and eating it without washing their hands. The Pharisees are offended and challenge Jesus, holding him responsible for the actions of his disciples. The second story recounts a time when Jesus was in a synagogue on the Sabbath and healed a man with a withered hand.
In the first story, the Pharisees confront Jesus in response to something they observed, but in the second, Jesus confronts the Pharisees by intentionally doing something he knew they would object to. These two stories and put in juxtaposition for a reason. Both of them demonstrate who Jesus is – The Son of God and Lord of the Sabbath. Both of them challenge the religious leaders’ notions about the Sabbath.
What is interesting is that after the first incident, Jesus doesn’t leave it alone. He doesn’t answer their challenge and then say to himself, “Well, that really bothers them, so I won’t pick at it anymore. I’ll just let sleeping dogs lie.” No. Instead, Jesus pokes the bear. He intentionally brings the subject up again in a different way while knowing it would anger the religious leaders.
I don’t recommend you make it a lifestyle, but sometimes you can’t let your enemies win by default. Silence can be surrender. So, as unpleasant as it might be, sometimes you have to poke the bear.
When is it the right thing to do? I would suggest a few guiding principles:
· Is it an issue on which something of spiritual significance hangs?
· Are you making it a habit or hobby to “bear poke?” That is a problem you should address within yourself.
· If you remain silent will it be assumed that that which is false is correct?
· Most importantly, will your silence endanger others’ souls?
Sometimes you need to poke the bear.
