He went to church that Sabbath day, to “the synagogue.” We don’t know his age or his background, only his description: “the man with the withered hand.” (Matthew 12, Mark 3, Luke 6) We categorize people by negative qualifiers, whereas God looks on the heart.
The Greek word “xeraino” (“withered”) is also translated “shriveled, crippled, deformed.” The Church father Jerome quoted an account used by the Nazarenes and Hebionites, saying “this man is said to be a plasterer,” illustrating his challenge to earn a living. Furthermore, Luke’s account specifically mentions his RIGHT hand… you know doctors, they notice things like that. (Luke 6:6) This man’s attendance was “noticeable!”
The congregation that day included visitors, observing the rabbi Jesus from Nazareth—Pharisees who interpreted Torah Law. They watched Jesus, looked at the cripple, and asked, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” They wanted to trap this unorthodox upstart. They weren’t compassionate, caring nothing at all about the crippled man.
Jesus said to the man, “Get up here and stand in the midst.”
Then he said to the crowd, “Is it lawful and right on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to take it?” Nobody answered. Their own written opinions of Sabbath admitted to exceptions in emergencies.
Jesus said to the man, “Stretch forth your hand.” And as the man obeyed Jesus, he experienced his miracle! Notice Jesus did not anoint him with oil, did not pray for him, and did not touch him. He only spoke words of faith, words of life. His “formula” was to do whatever Father God required in every situation. (John 5:19)
Everyone present there that day witnessed the same thing, but with different results. The man’s hand was restored. His whole life was transformed! The congregation was amazed, glad to have attended Sabbath service and seeing “God’s Hand” at work! And as the service closed, “multitudes followed him, and he healed them all.” (Matthew 12:15) But the Pharisees were angry, and left synagogue that day for another conspiracy session with the Herodians, building their plan to destroy him. (Mark 3:6)
How about YOU? Do you listen to hear something you can frown about and disagree with?
Or do you listen for something you know comes from God—a nugget of Truth? Something about which you can rejoice and say with a smile, “I heard from GOD today!” A testimony you can share with your grandchildren, your friends, and say “I was THERE that day, and God showed up!”
Join the Pharisees and plan a Condemnation — or join in worship and plan a Celebration?
“If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend.” Matthew 12:23 — compare with Ezekiel 12:2
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