6:7 - Looking Beneath the Surface

 "So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him." — Luke 6:7

Reflection

Luke 6:7 drops us right into a moment where Jesus is being watched and judged by the religious leaders of His day. The scribes and Pharisees weren’t looking for the good Jesus was doing—they were searching for a reason to accuse Him. Even though Jesus was about to heal someone and show God’s love, they were more concerned with their rules than with the person who needed help. This verse reminds us that it’s easy to get so caught up in our own ideas or judgments that we miss what’s really happening or what God is doing in someone’s life.

In the bigger picture, these leaders were missing out on the heart of God. They saw Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath as breaking the rules, but Jesus was showing that loving and helping people always comes first. It’s a warning for all of us not to get stuck focusing on what we think is “right” or “wrong” according to our own standards, especially when it means overlooking someone’s needs or failing to see their story. Sometimes, when we judge others quickly, we forget that there’s more to their situation than we realize.

This verse also challenges us to think about our own attitudes. Are we quick to criticize or assume the worst about someone? Do we pay more attention to appearances or rumors than to the real person behind them? Jesus shows us a different way—one that starts with compassion, understanding, and seeing people the way God sees them. Instead of using our energy to find fault, we can choose to notice the good, offer support, and look for how God might be at work in unexpected ways.

Personal Application

As a teenager, it’s normal to feel like people are watching or judging you—on social media, at school, or even at home. Maybe you’ve experienced others making assumptions about you based on what you wear, who you hang out with, or a choice you made. Luke 6:7 is a reminder not to fall into the same trap with others. Just like the Pharisees missed the point by focusing on rules instead of people, we can miss out on real friendships and opportunities to help if we’re only looking on the surface.

Think about a time when you judged someone before really getting to know them, or when you felt judged yourself. How did that feel? It’s easy to make snap decisions about others, especially when everyone seems to have an opinion. But Jesus invites us to pause, look deeper, and remember that every person has a backstory we might not see. The next time you’re tempted to criticize, challenge yourself to ask what’s really going on in their life, or how you might encourage them instead.

One practical step is to start each day by asking God to help you see others through His eyes. If you catch yourself judging, talk to God about it—ask for understanding and a heart that’s quick to forgive, not accuse. And if you’re the one being judged, remember that Jesus faced misunderstanding, too. He knows what it’s like, and He cares about what you’re going through. Lean into God’s love for you, and let that shape the way you interact with others—choosing kindness and compassion over criticism.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. When have you felt judged or misunderstood by someone? How did you respond?
2. Is there a situation where you’ve been quick to judge someone else? What could you have done differently?
3. How might your relationships change if you focused on understanding people instead of assuming the worst?
4. What is one way you can show compassion to someone who usually gets overlooked or criticized?

Prayer

God, thank You for seeing beyond my mistakes and loving me unconditionally. Help me to look past the surface and not judge others based on what I see or hear. Give me a heart that is full of compassion and understanding, just like Yours. Please guide me to encourage others and to speak words that bring hope, not hurt. When I feel misunderstood, remind me that You know my heart and are always with me. Teach me to reflect Your love in the way I treat everyone around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.