3:1,2
We now get another Sabbath encounter, this time more directly focused on the Sabbath, and directly involving Jesus, rather than using His disciples as a proxy. Moreover, there were some in the synagogue who were looking for an excuse to accuse Jesus. One has to ask why at this point the antagonism has arisen? In Mark’s account there is no obvious reason from what we have read so far. However, In Luke’s account we read that Jesus has already effectively claimed to be the Messiah, and said things that were highly critical of the current religious leaders (Lk 4:14-30). The miracles added a further threat, as Jesus was demonstrably more anointed than they were, and a far better teacher (Mk 1:27)! There was a man in the synagogue with a shrivelled hand.
3:3
Jesus was not perturbed, so He went right ahead and healed the man. God is committed to setting people free and will not let the accusing thoughts or actions of people stop Him from doing that. Jesus did not take the expedient route, either of waiting for another day, or healing the man secretly. Today we are far too ready to pussyfoot about and pander to the views of those who oppose God. But note that He did this not by violence, but by doing good. More generally, we should note that there are evil people about with evil intent. That is why Jesus told us to pray “deliver us from the evil one”.
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