Mark 3 - 4.22.26

Scripture: Mark 3:1-5

Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 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. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

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.

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.

Observation

Jesus teaches us to put people first.

Application

I am a rule follower. But sometimes the problem with rule followers is that we let following the rules become more important than following God. By no means am I implying that God encourages us to break rules. Rules are put in place to provide guardrails for us. Problems come if we start to feel that following rules, checking off the boxes, makes us worthy. Or not following the rules makes others not worthy. No one is worthy – we are saved by grace.

Another problem is that sometimes it is easier to just follow the rules, or traditions, or cultural norms, than to question – God, is this what you want from me? It is easier to do what we have always done than to shake things up. But Jesus shook things up!

Jesus asks the question, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” When they refused to admit that God would want him to do good – to put people first, he was angry and deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for this reminder of how much you love people. Poke me and prod me so I don’t become complacent. Continue to challenge me so I can grow. Help me to make decisions that put people first. Teach me to love others like you do.

- Debbie Dunn