Religious Restrictions – Mk 3:1-6
Jesus’ behavior stands opposed to established religious traditions and His gospel challenges us to rethink what we view as important. In God’s Kingdom, the true test of religious orthodoxy is how we respond to those in need.
1 He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. 2 They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.(NASB®)
What was the Sabbath plan?
As was Jesus’ practice, He went to synagogue on the Sabbath. Continuously scrutinizing Him and knowing there would be sick and needy in attendance, His adversaries used this as an opportunity to publicly trap Jesus. They were certain He would not ignore the afflicted and would break their law on this day set apart for no work.
Do I seek to establish spiritual disciplines in my life?
Is obeying the “rules” more important than seeking opportunities to demonstrate compassion?
3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” (NASB®)
Why the public spectacle?
Likely this man and his debilitating condition was well known but Jesus desired to expose a greater need.
Am I willing to respond to Jesus’ call?
4 And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. (NASB®)
Is keeping the law important?
Jesus, aware the law is to be kept, challenges the onlookers with the motivation behind God’s law. Is the goal to do what is right or use it to serve our own purposes? Does it stimulate us to restore an individual or scheme to destroy one?
Do I seek to be right or understand what God says is right?
Do I desire to point other toward God?
5 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.(NASB®)
What angers God?
Jesus searched the crowd in exasperation, upset with their lack of compassion. Undeterred, He directed the man to reach out, without even lifting a finger Himself, and his hand was made completely whole.
Have I become callous to what is important to God?
Do I have faith enough to trust grace?
6 The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.(NASB®)
What angers men?
Unable to trap Jesus, these legalists were so angered that their righteousness be questioned, they were willing to conspire with their mortal enemies in order to destroy this opposition to their authority.
Would I rather accept anything than consider Jesus?
What part does pride play in my decisions?