Luke 14:5-6

Jesus proceeded to show the logic of His action (cf. Matthew 12:11). The Old Testament and rabbinic tradition permitted saving a son and even an animal in such a situation (cf. Exodus 23:4-5). [Note: Mishnah Shabbath 128b.] Jesus implied that the sick man belonged to Him. This was the case since Jesus is the possessor of heaven and earth. His critics had no reply since Jesus’ logic was irrefutable. Moreover they already knew what He believed about the relative importance of helping people and observing the Sabbath (Luke 6:1-11; Luke 13:10-17).

This incident set the stage for the discussion that followed. That seems to be its primary purpose in Luke’s narrative. This fact accounts for the lack of development that Luke gave this incident. Above all else it established Jesus’ authority to teach the lessons that followed immediately.