Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;
Once again, Jesus entered the synagogue and found someone who needed His help – the man’s hand was withered. And again the Pharisees kept their eye on Him.
They were watching Him closely to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.
Mark 3:2
So Jesus went along with their trap! He called the man up and asked the religious leaders, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. (Vs. 4)
The answer is obvious! – “It is ALWAYS good to do the right thing!”
After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
Mark 3:5
The anger I can understand – they were putting obedience to the Law above the second most important commandment – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-40) Instead of helping the poor man, they were using him to try and trap Jesus.
But why was He ‘grieved at their hardness of heart?’ That is evidence of His everlasting love for ALL humanity – even the Pharisees!
I don’t think Jesus was angry at the religious leaders; I believe He was angry at Satan for deceiving humanity! He was grieved at the hold Satan had on the Pharisees. They were convinced that keeping the law was more important than love. They ‘knew’ what was good and what was evil. (Genesis 3:1-5) Dying on the cross – at their insistence – Jesus said, “They do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
Do we find ourselves in that same trap? Deceived by Satan into watching what other people do instead of loving them?
Elohei HaTikvah – God of Hope – Help me see others through Your eyes.
God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
We are called to love,
Words of Encouragement 