Scripture: Mark 3:1–6 (NASB)
He entered a synagogue again; and a man was there whose hand was withered. And they were watching Him closely 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 on the Sabbath or to do harm, 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 put Him to death.
Audience of the Gospel of Mark
Mark’s audience, facing opposition for their faith, would immediately resonate with the portrayal of Jesus being watched and targeted for doing good, particularly for choosing to heal on the Sabbath. They were Gentile believers living under Roman rule, who needed encouragement to stand firm in the face of religious or governmental pressure.
Key Focus and Character of Jesus
Jesus reveals both boldness and broken-hearted compassion. He is unafraid to confront religious hypocrisy but is also deeply grieved by hard hearts. He does not avoid conflict—He steps directly into it to defend what is good, right, and life-giving.
Person/People Jesus Interacted With
- A man with a withered hand, silent and suffering.
- The Pharisees were watching to trap Jesus in legal violation.
- The crowd was witnessing this public showdown.
What Happened?
In the synagogue, Jesus sees the man with the withered hand—and also sees the traps being laid by the Pharisees. Instead of backing away, He brings the man front and center and poses a convicting question:
“Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?”
Their silence speaks volumes. Their rules matter more than people. Jesus becomes visibly angry and deeply grieved. Still, He commands the man:
“Stretch out your hand.”
As the man obeys, his hand is fully restored. But instead of celebrating the miracle, the Pharisees leave to plot Jesus’ death.
Mood of the Moment
Tense, dramatic, and emotionally charged. Jesus is angry, the Pharisees are cold, and the man is caught in the middle. Yet through it all, healing breaks in.
What Jesus Said
“Get up and come forward!”
“Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do harm…?”
“Stretch out your hand.”
Jesus confronts injustice with conviction—and compassion.
Response of Others
- The man obeys and is healed.
- The Pharisees respond with hardened hearts and begin planning to destroy Him.
- The Herodians, political collaborators, join forces with them.
- The crowd (implied) witnesses both the miracle and the hostility.
Lesson for Us in 2026
- Truth without love hardens; love without truth weakens – Jesus walks in both.
- Don’t let religious systems blind you to human suffering – Compassion is always lawful.
- Courage will cost you – Doing what’s right in a broken system may trigger resistance. Be bold anyway.
When doing good offends the powerful, you’re probably walking in the steps of Jesus.
