He entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had his hand withered. They watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse him. He said to the man who had his hand withered, “Stand up.†He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?†But they were silent. When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.†He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other. The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. Mark 3:1-6 (WEB, emphasis mine)
I was reading this and noticed the part about Jesus being angry. When I think of Him having that particular emotion, I usually think of Jesus clearing out the Temple and turning over the tables, etc. I do not find it surprising that the Pharisees’ lack of compassion for the man with the shriveled hand and the fact that they totally missed the point and opportunity for God to be glorified through His compassion for the man would spark Jesus to anger.
Jesus teaches me how to give a testimony not blow a testimony! There is no doubt that where the Pharisees were involved, Jesus had plenty of reasons to turn over a few tables and generally lose His justifiable temper with the way they manipulated and plotted to discredit Him. The Pharisees did not care who got hurt in the process. Their end justified any means they used! Jesus does not blast them with an accurate and cutting remark. Instead He keeps His attention on the man who needs His love and compassion, ignoring the undeserving ones! Jesus does not blow His testimony about the love of the Father. He shows me that I, too, can choose my focus and show others that God’s love is more powerful and accomplishes more than my ‘fleshly’ anger – no matter how justified!
The story does not end with the man’s healing as the Pharisees continue their plots and trickery. Their hard hearts continue to block their ears and keep them from hearing the truth of who Jesus is. The basis of my testimony is always who Jesus is. Every conversation, every story/testimony that I share – that I live – is with my finger pointing towards the Cross. Jesus is my Savior and Lord.
…it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,†who has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (WEB)
The knowledge that I have about Jesus and His love that He has for me … is a treasure. It is a treasure that I share and give freely. There is no end and so it is not something to be kept under lock and key inside of me but given as a testimony in everything that I say and do.
Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.†         John 8:12 (WEB)
[Jesus also said,] “Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.†        Matthew 5:16 (WEB)
Note to self: I am having lunch with ______ today. Lord, help me to really listen to her. May she see Your eyes and feel Your love. Use me as a conduit, Lord.
I have to stop and get groceries tonight. You know the budget, Lord, so give me wisdom and favor! And may I not miss an opportunities to be kind along the way, Lord.
