God created everything with order and purpose. Some things have obvious functionality, some have stunning beauty, and others are not easily understood. But there’s one creation with a special label attached saying, “Made in the image of God.” When Jesus’ treatment of people conflicted with the customs of the Jewish leaders, He was often criticized. One example is in Mark chapter 2 (regarding the disciples picking grain on the Sabbath to eat as they walked). Jesus responded to the accusations:

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” – Mark 2:27-28 NKJV

Next, He healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (and was criticized), but He pointed out the value of kindness over Sabbath rigidity. The Jewish leaders had taken a gift (the institution of the Sabbath for rest and worship), and placed it above the recipients of the gift. The instructions given to Moses were designed for physical and spiritual benefit, (but they had been turned into a burden). Jesus’s ministry modeled many things, and one of the biggest was how He loved people. What does “Made in the image of God.” mean for you? And for those you will encounter today?