In the context of this verse, Jesus had just healed a woman on the Sabbath, which led to criticism from the religious leaders who were more concerned with strict adherence to the law than with compassion and mercy. Jesus responded by pointing out their hypocrisy, as they would care for their animals on the Sabbath but objected to healing a person. This response left his opponents humiliated because it exposed their inconsistency and lack of understanding of the law's true purpose, which is to love and serve others.
The people, on the other hand, were delighted because they saw the goodness and authority in Jesus' actions. His ability to heal and his wisdom in teaching revealed the heart of God's love and justice, which resonated deeply with them. This verse illustrates the power of Jesus' ministry to challenge the status quo and bring joy and hope to those who are open to his message. It encourages us to reflect on our own openness to God's work in our lives and to embrace the joy that comes from witnessing and participating in his transformative power.