The Life and Ministry of Jesus
And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as the other. The Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. Mark 3:1–6
Jesus could see “the hardening of their hearts” (literal translation), and their sin made Him angry. Our Lord never became angry at the publicans and sinners, but He did express anger toward the self-righteous Pharisees.
They would rather protect their traditions than see a man healed! The man, of course, knew little about this spiritual conflict. He simply obeyed our Lord’s command, stretched out his hand, and was healed. 1
Personal Encouragement
Knowing the response that Jesus had towards hard hearts, what can you do to avoid ever allowing your heart to become hard towards another believer or leader or pastor?
Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! Matthew 23:24
A hard heart grieves Jesus. Are you grieving Jesus, or are you glad because of Jesus?
A Prayer
Lord, help me to seek Your truth and never seek after religious traditions.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
