The compassion of the Lord has no end, even on the Sabbath Day. However, it is because of specific religious people that God’s will is will is not allowed on that day. One group of people in the Bible that acted like this were the Pharisees. They had a big reputation to always live by the book of the law and call people out if they are in the contrary. However, in all this, they forgot that showing kindness and compassion was also needed. They were, therefore, religious people that said they knew God but God never knew them. There are many people like this now-a-days as well, but before we get to these people, let us get into the details of what the Pharisees did when a very sick man, with a withered hand, entered their synagogue. In Mark, chapter 3, starting with verse 1, the story goes like this, speaking of Jesus, 1“and he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.” Do you see the issue at hand? Because these people thought they knew God’s laws better than Jesus, they’d see if he fell for helping this man, that they may question him.
Jesus knew the evil intentions of the Pharisees and did not approve of their murmurings, one to another. This upset Him but still did not slow down His mercy and compassion for the man in question. So while the Pharisees were waiting for Jesus to mess up and to do the wrong thing, Jesus instead called the man and asked the people a question. He 1“saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.” Then, he spoke to the Pharisees, 1“is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.” As you can see here, Jesus loved the man so much as to heal him. As He taught, it is fine to do good things on the Sabbath. Now, in saying this, it says that he 1“looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts.” Because although this man was healed, the people did not want to allow such a miracle to take place because of their pride.
In the day that we live in, there are still many people that dress the part, but inwardly are not truly living for God. And so it is that false teachers come into the fold of God, and scatter God’s sheep. These people then bring in false teachings into their churches, because God’s Word is less important to them. For example, Mormonism. As they lift up the Book of Mormon above the Bible. And because of this, millions of people are led astray. New teachings on what you can and cannot do on the Sabbath day and others are brought into their belief system. However, this is all for not and only a deterrence from what God’s Word says. It is plain and simple that we are to do good on the Sabbath day. And more importantly, healing is not only a good time to do on that day but also on any day. If anyone is sick and in need of prayer and healing, then we ought to jump on these opportunities. However, this means that people of true faith need to step their game up, while others that are in the wrong, must come unto Jesus, that they may be used as well. It is more than living in a religious system but knowing that same system glorifies God and not man. If God is not in control of what is happening than His will is also not being accomplished but men’s desires alone. So read God’s Word and learn of God today. Seek Him and you shall find the truth of all things.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that every believer will simply leave the pride of their hearts at Your table. Help us all to be willing to leave our own intentions behind, in order to follow You and do Your will. I know that many times in our lives we get caught up with doing things that are not pleasing in Your sight. We may even fall into a religious system that is false, so we need Your guidance and direction. These things we need to know about, that we may stop doing them and turn from our wicked ways. Help us get out of the religious routine, that we may stay focused on You and Your will only. When religion becomes who we are, we often times become hard hearted and think we know better. For this reason Lord, break the barrier of pride. May every person that says they love You Lord, also obey You and not the will of men. We come unto You with our whole hearts, that You may usher into our lives Your love. Just as You showed compassion and kindness to everyone, help us to live that way also. May we learn to love everyone, as You love us, Lord. Help us come out of this world and into Your arms. We want to learn of You and be led by You always. You are our delight and we want more of You, Jesus. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Mark 3:1-6 (KJV)
1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.
4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
