SCRIPTURE:
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.’ 4Then 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. 5He 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.” Mark 3:1-6
REFLECTION:
How is this so? With hearts steeped in stubbornness, the Pharisees were more desirous of the law than the heart of man, than the heart of God. Jesus, taking note, grieved in His own heart, distressed at the responses He sees. He speaks, He questions, and He restores and heals those in need. Is there anything that can be done to turn the Pharisees back to the truth? They have made their decision and Jesus . . . He’s made His.
Is it possible that I too thought I was obeying and abiding, only to realize that I have been seeking the way more than the Way Maker? Is it possible those
representing the law of Christ have been seeking to obey rules before seeking the One who Rules? So quick. It happens so fast and suddenly, that I find myself leaning on the law in my supposed pursuit of Jesus.
Where have we turned and where are we going? Injustice enrages us, and then suddenly we become a people that, in anger, hold grudges and prove points. Listen to Jesus in this scene, even here in anger, Jesus chooses to redirect, restore, and heal. He gives points of truth but holds no bitterness. He grieves and He keeps moving in the way of love and Truth.
RESPOND:
- How do you respond in righteous anger?
- How can your anger become a response of love in action?
PRAYER:
God, for all the ways the world has gone wrong, use your church to restore, to be agents of healing and righteousness. Grieve our hearts for what grieves yours, and let it first begin in us. Ensure we deepen our relationship with you, and in turn, respond to those around us with the righteousness of you Jesus. Forgive us for all the ways we choose law over love, and lead us to love as you love. In Jesus name, Amen.
