To sin or not to sin, that is the question!
Mark 3:1-6
1 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”
4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.
5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
Imagine each Sunday being watched by your enemies closely, being checked to see what you will do wrong in view of the Religious LAW. Here is Jesus, He goes to the synagogue and notices a man with a deformed hand. He could have passed by. He could have ignored him. However, He chooses to speak to him and challenges the Pharisees about the law. “Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” The law created people with hardened hearts. Rules became more important than compassion and care.
Jesus is so brave. He doesn’t want a “status quo”, same old day. He wants to show this man with a disability, that God Sees Him, God wants to heal him, that kindness is above the law.
Hard hearts sadden God.
Where are you hard in your heart today? To whom, do you have a hard heart for?
Lord, please soften my heart today. May I look at people the same way you see them. Help me Lord to help others and help me to look more like you. In Jesus name, Amen.
Written by Ps. Sue Botta