Step Up Where People Can See You
April 22, 2023
Mark 3:1-6 | Isaiah 58:6-7
Step up where the people can see you.
There were many reasons why the man with the withered hand should not do this. But Jesus is determined. And he’s not messing around. Most often, we can be rather sure that Jesus’ intent in healing someone is for that person’s healing. But here, it sure feels like this healing is a statement point.
Mark tells us that Jesus was angry and deeply grieved.
Who can blame him?
Mark 3:1-6
Jesus returned to the synagogue. A man with a withered hand was there. Wanting to bring charges against Jesus, they were watching Jesus closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Step up where people can see you.” Then he said to them, “Is it legal on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they said nothing. Looking around at them with anger, deeply grieved at their unyielding hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he did, and his hand was made healthy. At that, the Pharisees got together with the supporters of Herod to plan how to destroy Jesus.
Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast I choose:
releasing wicked restraints, untying the ropes of a yoke,
setting free the mistreated,
and breaking every yoke?
Isn’t it sharing your bread with the hungry
and bringing the homeless poor into your house,
covering the naked when you see them,
and not hiding from your own family?
Prayer
God,
My prayer is simple today. Like Jesus, help me in my anger to channel its passion into healing for those in need.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.