In Mark 3, you’ll find compassion and contempt on the Sabbath as Jesus performs yet another miracle. See how the Pharisees react to His act of kindness.
Jesus simply feels compassion and heals a man’s hand on the Sabbath. Now, the Pharisees are livid with anger as their authority and power are taken away. They hate giving up this power so much they cannot see what’s before their eyes.
Pharisees and other religious leaders were constantly looking for any slight reason to discredit Jesus, or even to have Him arrested.
Why?
Christ was a danger to the control they had over the people (and in many cases, money).
Read how Christ defies the leaders and heals a man’s hand on the Sabbath.
In Mark 3:1-12 Jesus Feels Compassion – Pharisees Feel Contempt on the Sabbath
He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered.
They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.
He said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!”
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.
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.
The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.
Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples; and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and also from Judea, and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon, a great number of people heard of all that He was doing and came to Him. – Mark 3:1-8 NASB
compassion and contempt on the Sabbath
They Witnessed a Miracle – But Still Did Not See!
The man stretched out his withered hand, and it was made completely well! This was most certainly a miracle, wouldn’t you agree?
Did the Pharisees see the miracle? Yes.
Did they recognize who Jesus was after all the healing and the authority He displayed when He taught? No.
Religion, Power & Authority – Who Has True Authority?
The Pharisees were the authority of Scripture, before Jesus came.
But, they had more power than just a position as keepers of the law allowed them. These religious leaders controlled the wealth of the Synagogues. And, many became rich from their positions.
These people were not willing to give up their power, not even for the Christ who had finally come to save them.
Material Things and Jealousy
We also have possessions, attitude and power we are sometimes reluctant to give up.
Christ has real authority. And, He can guide us to make the right choices if we only put those things into perspective and accept Him.
The sad part is that many times we believe we have complete control over our lives and the lives of others in our workplace, our church, and our nation.
compassion and contempt on the Sabbath
What Power do We Really Have?
In reality, we only have power and control over what God allows. We can rule temporarily but God rules for eternity.
Let’s take a few minutes today and reflect upon what we really own and from where true authority comes.
How can we use the position and abilities God has given us in a positive way – a way that reflects the love of Christ.
Jesus healed on the Sabbath because someone was hurting. He performed this miracle without regard to His position or His personal safety.
Can’t we at least show some of that compassion and love to people we know and meet?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here.