Don't Use Good for Evil

Opponents of Jesus disguised their disdain for Him and wrapped it up in a question in Matthew 12:9, as they asked, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" They were really trying to find grounds to accuse Him of breaking their rules. Jesus would have none of it. We see in a parallel passage that He knew their thoughts (Luke 6:8). But the fact remains that their motives were evil. They used good, a simple, innocent-sounding question about healing, as a covering for evil. Jesus' answer showed His concern for their souls, as He dealt gently and humbly with these arrogant men. That is a good example for us to follow, in His strength. Above all we must live guileless, honest lives before God and others. No pretext, just the plain truth. As 1 Peter 2:16 says, "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God."