Apicontent

“Then Jesus entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they could accuse him. So he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Stand up among all these people.” Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, or evil, to save a life or destroy it?”
But they were silent. After looking around at them in anger, grieved by the hardness of their hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. So the Pharisees went out immediately and began plotting with the Herodians, as to how they could assassinate him.” —Mark 3:1-6

I love the way Jesus responds to these accusers. Fully aware of the opposition’s thoughts and intents in searching for ways to accuse Him, Jesus here openly gives them what they are looking for–a front and center healing on the Sabbath. But as our Lord confronts these religious leaders’ authority, their vengeance against Him is fanned into a roaring flame.

No healing permitted on the Lord’s Day unless it was a life threatening circumstance–this was the rule for these pious Pharisees. I suppose they also made the decisions as to what constituted a life threatening circumstance. If the problem could wait a day or so, it should wait a day or so–at least according to their interpretation of the law. If Jesus healed the man with the shriveled hand, He would certainly be worthy of death in their eyes because He would have violated their Sabbath rules. Never mind that our Lord’s actions promoted this invalid’s welfare. Never mind that our Lord’s actions were inherently good and virtuous. Jesus’ character stood in stark contrast to the Pharisees’ tyrannical rule. What they considered breaking the Sabbath law, God considered doing good. They took the commandment in Exodus and added to it–tweaking it to suit their fancy:

“So you must keep the Sabbath, for it is holy for you. Everyone who defiles it must surely be put to death; indeed, if anyone does any work on it, then that person will be cut off from among his people. Six days work may be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; anyone who does work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death. The Israelites must keep the Sabbath by observing the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.” —Exodus 31:14-17

Never deterred from His mission by the threats of the religious elite, Jesus told the man to stretch out his stand in front of everyone. There would be no hiding of the good deed performed–the light would be on the miraculous. The Sabbath was made for restoration and restoration about to occur at the hands of the Master. The glory would go to God. I am reminded of the words in Jeremiah’s prayer:

“You did miracles and amazing deeds in the land of Egypt which have had lasting effect. By this means you gained both in Israel and among humankind a renown that lasts to this day.” —Jeremiah 32:20

Our Lord sets up the healing by asking the Pharisees two rhetorical questions: “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” They were speechless! Deeply distressed over their hardened and stubborn hearts, Jesus heals the man.

Take It to Heart

Jesus came to refresh the weary and satisfy the faint-hearted. He came to do good. He came to heal. He came to bring hope. Sadly for these Pharisees, they would have none of it. It is a great grief indeed for our Lord to see people bent on their own destruction and ruin. Like our Master, we must never deny ourselves the satisfaction of serving God and doing good, even though offense may be wrongly and unjustly taken by our actions.

“I, the LORD, probe into people’s minds. I examine people’s hearts. I deal with each person according to how he has behaved. I give them what they deserve based on what they have done.” —Jeremiah 17:10

Further Reflections

“Pride not only withdraws the heart from God, but lifts it up against God.” —Thomas Manton

“Jesus was going through the grain fields on a Sabbath, and his disciples began to pick some heads of wheat as they made their way. So the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is against the law on the Sabbath?”
He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry – how he entered the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the sacred bread, which is against the law for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to his companions?”
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath. For this reason the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” —Mark 2:23-28

Walking on a path thorough a grain field on a Sabbath morning the Lord’s disciples began picking heads of grain to fill their empty stomachs. This was a legitimate action according to the law laid out in Deuteronomy, yet the Pharisees had made this deed a law breaker. The disciple’s were going against the tradition of these elders. The Pharisees regarded Jesus’ disciples as “working” and therefore they were breaking the Sabbath Law. Picky, picky, picky–the Pharisees delved so much in minutia they missed the truth all together. Fencing in the Law of the Sabbath with at least thirty-nine of their man made prohibited activities, they defined this act as “reaping grain.” Their narrow interpretation of the Law blurred God’s intention. The spirit of the Law was a higher priority than ceremonial regulations. Ritual observances must give way to moral obligations. I am reminded of Micah’s words regarding God’s requirements of His servants:

“He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the LORD really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before your God.” —Micah 6:8

Demanding an explanation of the disciple’s behavior, the Pharisees were quick, as well as smug, to point out to Jesus what they considered a trespass. As always, Jesus’ reply comes straight from Scripture. He reminds those who were pointing fingers of the actions of King David and his companions when eating the consecrated bread of the tabernacle. This is an incredibly important point Jesus is making here through example. We must back up what we believe with the truth of God’s Word.

“Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16-17

Take It to Heart

The Sabbath was established for man as a divine and sacred institution to be embraced as a most delightful benefit and privilege. It was never intended to be perceived or experienced as a chore or a drudge. Jesus tells us the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. It was a day set forth to replenish, restore, refresh, and repair Who, may I ask, does not have a need for this? God has directed us to rest from his work one day in seven. Jesus here affirms this while at the same time smashing the legalism the Pharisees had poured into its observance. Jesus says He is the Lord of the Sabbath. Jesus is the source of the deep peace we desperately need.

“The word Sabbath means a deep rest, a deep peace. It’s a near synonym for Shalom–a state of wholeness and flourishing in every dimension of life. When Jesus says, ‘I am the Lord of the Sabbath,’ Jesus means that he is the Sabbath. He is the source of the deep rest we need. He has come to completely change the way we rest. The one-day-a-week rest we take is just a taste of the deep divine rest we need, and Jesus is its source.” —Timothy Keller

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world.” —John 16:33

“Jesus went out again by the sea. The whole crowd came to him, and he taught them. As he went along, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax booth. “Follow me,” he said to him. And he got up and followed him.
As Jesus was having a meal in Levi’s home, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the experts in the law and the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
When Jesus heard this he said to them, “Those who are healthy don’t need a physician, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” —Mark 2:13-17

Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners! Those who humbly and willingly acknowledge their need for a Savior receive our Lord’s gracious hand of forgiveness and mercy. Prior to saving faith in Jesus, we all fall into the category of a needy “sinner”. Unfortunately, those righteous in their own eyes often remain unaware of their need. Those who are full of themselves and their own religiosity have no room in their hearts for a Savior. Such was the case of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law in our verses for today.

In our verses for today, once again we find a large crowd assembled around the Master. Ever focused on His mission, Jesus begins to teach them. Walking beside the lake our Lord spies Levi (also known as Matthew), a hated tax collector.

Jesus calls out the now familiar “Follow me” and immediately Levi follows Him–obedience without hesitation. I wonder if our obedience occurs without hesitation.

Levi was a Jewish tax official employed by Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee. Often the officials in these positions were involved in fraud and scandal, bribery and extortion, and therefore they were despised by the Jews. Jesus sought out the lowly and the despised and willingly offered His hand of mercy. Sin and scandal prior to conversion is no bar to mercy and grace in our Lord’s eyes.

Levi invited our Lord and His disciples to a feast at his home and included some of his “sinner” comrades. When we have good news, we want to share it with others! This did not go over well with the religious leaders of the day: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” (verse 16).

In every age we have men and women who use their religion for their own purposes. The Pharisees were the elite, the highly admired, the rule makers, and they relished in their positions. They mixed a pious faith with power and pride which resulted in a bitter and toxic amalgamation. Their hearts were as hard as stone, their condition dead, and they were too full of themselves to discern it. This was why Jesus was called them “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” and “white-washed tombs.”  Matthew records our Lord’s words:

“But woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You keep locking people out of the kingdom of heaven! For you neither enter nor permit those trying to enter to go in.” —Matthew 23:13

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple is bound by nothing. But whoever swears by the gold of the temple is bound by the oath.” —Matthew 23:16

“Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs that look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of the bones of the dead and of everything unclean.” —Matthew 23:27

Before we get too fat and sassy and come down hard on these religious leaders, we should examine our own hearts. Do we look down on others thinking we are better? Do we relish man’s praise over God’s? Do we stay herded in our holy huddles, holding our religious club meetings? Do we follow tradition or follow Jesus? We must pay careful attention to our own hearts lest our Jesus directs those “Woe’s” at us as well. Remember the lukewarm Church of Laodicea Jesus chastised in Revelation and His command to them:

“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” —Revelation 3:17

Take It to Heart

“All those I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent! Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me.” —Revelation 3:19-20

“The human mind is more deceitful than anything else. It is incurably bad. Who can understand it? I, the Lord, probe into people’s minds. I examine people’s hearts. I deal with each person according to how he has behaved. I give them what they deserve based on what they have done.” —Jeremiah 17:9-10

Further Reflections

“This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them! ” —1 Timothy 1:15

“I made myself available to those who did not ask for me; I appeared to those who did not look for me. I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’ to a nation that did not invoke my name.” —Isaiah 65:1

“Now some of the experts in the law were sitting there, turning these things over in their minds: “Why does this man speak this way? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Now immediately, when Jesus realized in his spirit that they were contemplating such thoughts, he said to them, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up, take your stretcher, and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” – he said to the paralytic – “I tell you, stand up, take your stretcher, and go home.” And immediately the man stood up, took his stretcher, and went out in front of them all. They were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” —Mark 2:6-12

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -Jesus, John 10:10Shock waves spread throughout the crowd as the paralytic picked up his mat and walked home. What a dramatic scene–leaving those present–including the teachers of the law–both wide-eyed and wide mouthed! A miraculous event had just occurred–something too hard for mere man to accomplish–the finger marks of God were the only explanation for this man’s healing. I am reminded of God’s Word to Sarah in Genesis when she laughed out loud upon hearing she would have a child in her old age:

“The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child when I am old?’ Is anything impossible for the LORD? I will return to you when the season comes round again and Sarah will have a son.” —Genesis 18:13-14

Considering our limitations, isn’t it comforting to know that nothing is too hard for God? Offended by Jesus’ words of forgiveness, the religious leaders present–in a surly and contemptuous tone–regarded our Lord as a blasphemer. He was talking as if He was God! This was a severe and sinful affront, punishable by death from stoning. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus confronts their hostile accusations. Over and over again in Scripture we are told our Lord knew the thoughts of those around Him. He needs no human help in evaluating people, He is aware of what is in one of us–that is why He came–to give us back life!

God’s powers are inseparable–the One who knows the thoughts of men can certainly forgive sins as well as heal the lame. Thoughts of talk being cheap swirled through the heads of the teachers of the law, surmising that Jesus had claimed to forgive sins because it was easier than healing the man. They were about to have the proverbial pie in their faces when–in obedience to Jesus’ Word–the paralytic up and walked home! Jesus proved His power to forgive sins by demonstrating His power to heal. There could be no doubt in their minds that the Son of Man possessed the achieving power He rightly claimed. Unfortunately, the truth turned their hearts even harder, they were simply unwilling to believe and embrace it. But this truth about Jesus was proclaimed in the Old Testament by the prophet Isaiah:

“I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember.” —Isaiah 43:25

Micah also said:

“Who is a God like you? Who forgives sin and pardons the rebellion of those who remain among his people? Who does not stay angry forever, but delights in showing loyal love?” —Micah 7:18

In the New Testament John tells us:

“He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.” —1 John 2:2

And the response of the crowd?

“And immediately the man stood up, took his stretcher, and went out in front of them all. They were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” —Mark 2:12

Take It to Heart

“Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” —Thomas V. Moore

Jesus knows what is in our hearts–that’s why He came–to give us back life. Forgiveness of sins is a divine miracle of grace.

“Salvation means that we are brought to the place where we are able to receive something from God on the authority of Jesus Christ, namely, forgiveness of sins … Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace.” —Oswald Chambers

Further Reflections

Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man. —John 2:23-25

“Now after some days, when he returned to Capernaum, the news spread that he was at home. So many gathered that there was no longer any room, not even by the door, and he preached the word to them. Some people came bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. When they were not able to bring him in because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Jesus. Then, after tearing it out, they lowered the stretcher the paralytic was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”—Mark 2:1-5

The world of infirmities was given access to mankind with the fall–when Satan welcomed Adam and Eve into his sinful domain. Satan–being the culprit–taking captive the one made in God’s own image. Death came into the world, as did every sickness, every dysfunction, every distorted perspective, every broken relationship, and every physically and emotionally crippling frailty. All became a reality for mankind when sin made its mark on the scene. From our original parents on, every human has been born captive, held bound by a sinful nature. Praise Jesus, who came to set the captive free! Our Lord disarmed the powers and authorities of this dark world. He made a public spectacle of them–triumphing over them by the cross–proclaiming freedom for the captive.

When the Son sets you free, you are free indeed! Satan may destroy the body, but he can never destroy the soul, and you can take that to the bank. We are to bring Jesus our hurts and our sorrows and watch for the sunrise of the resurrection. Paul tells us:

“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1

In our verses for today, the crowds had gathered, so much so that the door was blocked by bodies. Isn’t it interesting that Mark tells us that Jesus did not begin by healing, but by preaching the Word. Surely there were other infirmed present, those seeking the comfort of Jesus’ healing touch, but He begins by bringing them the Word. Earlier in Mark Jesus had said that He came to preach–ever teaching the truth:

“He replied, “Let us go elsewhere, into the surrounding villages, so that I can preach there too. For that is what I came out here to do.” —Mark 1:38

Prior to the Sermon on the Mount (found in Matthew)–surrounded by every kind of human ailment and need–our Lord chose to do the same thing. He took time to teach his disciples.

“So a report about him spread throughout Syria. People brought to him all who suffered with various illnesses and afflictions, those who had seizures, paralytics, and those possessed by demons, and he healed them. And large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan River. When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him. Then he began to teach them.” —Matthew 4:24-5:2

We must sit at Jesus’ feet–soaking in His Words–before we are ready to do His work.

As we continue to reflect on the verses today, we see that in the midst of His teaching–right above His head–a mat of suffering slowly begins to descend through the roof. A paralyzed man was lowered by his four compassionate friends of faith for Jesus to look upon and heal. They knew Jesus was mighty to save–mighty to save from sin, mighty to save from despair, mighty to save from sorrow, mighty to save from disappointment, mighty to save from regret, mighty to save from self-castigation, and mighty to save from the blinding tears against fateful circumstances. Jesus is mighty to save! He alone is able to give us peace and the righteousness no matter what our circumstances.

Jesus bypasses the obvious dilemma and goes right to the core of the matter by first healing the condition of this man’s soul. Surely the man was wondering why Jesus missed his immediate problem–it was quite obvious he lacked the ability to walk. Yet Jesus proceeds by going to the man’s most important need. More than likely, unbeknownst even to the paralytic, his need for soul cleansing was greater than his need for legs leaping. Jesus calls the man “Son” and forgives his sins.

Take It to Heart

Jesus constantly spoke the truth in love. He continues to speak to us today through His Word. When we are first filled by and with the Master, we will be equipped to accomplish eternal and profitable things!

Further Reflections

“I was the enemy of God. I was stamping through God’s universe, shaking my fist in His face. And in the very moment when I was shaking my fist in God’s face and tramping through the Creator’s universe, muddying all His streams, that’s when Jesus died for me. And if this is when Jesus died for me, what hope it gives me now! Now, even when I fall, the blood of Jesus is enough. He didn’t save me because I was strong; He saved me when I was weak. He didn’t save me when I was a pretty thing; He saved me when I was a mess. On the basis of this reality, I can have comfort.” —Francis Schaeffer, The Finished Work of Christ

“The end of learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love Him and imitate Him.” —John Milton

“Commend all to God, and then lie still and be at rest in His bosom. Whatever happens, abide steadfast in a determination to cling simply to God … Maintain a holy simplicity of mind, and do not smother yourself with a host of cares, wishes, or longings, under any pretext.” —St. Francis de Sales

“Now a leper came to him and fell to his knees, asking for help. “If you are willing, you can make me clean,” he said.
Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be clean!” The leprosy left him at once, and he was clean. Immediately Jesus sent the man away with a very strong warning. He told him, “See that you do not say anything to anyone, but go, show yourself to a priest, and bring the offering that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
But as the man went out he began to announce it publicly and spread the story widely, so that Jesus was no longer able to enter any town openly but stayed outside in remote places. Still they kept coming to him from everywhere.” —Mark 1:40-45

Jesus is always willing to heal the broken and repentant–looking through His loving eyes of compassion upon frail fallen flesh. He remains graciously available to touch the untouchable and cure the incurable. His ears are attentive to the “Help me” and “Heal me” and “Save me” cries of the unhealthy, lonely, weary, broken, and other conditions that plagues mankind. The question for each of us is: Are we willing to let Him? Do we want the freedom of His healing touch? Do we want really what He so graciously offers? Sadly, some prefer to remain in their bondage–wallowing in pain and sorrow–when all that is needed is to ask, seek, and find.

“Certainly the Lord watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on you will have war.” Asa was so angry at the prophet, he put him in jail. Asa also oppressed some of the people at that time.” —2 Chronicles 16:9

Our verses in Mark today instruct us in how to approach Jesus in our infirmities–both physical and spiritual. The leper clearly demonstrates the humility. We must empty ourselves before we are able to be filled. One does not get much lower in humbling themselves than coming forward to Christ on his knees begging. If we wish to receive God’s mercy and grace, we must approach Him with humility and reverence. In God’s way, humility precedes exaltation:

“And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand.” —1 Peter 5:6

This leper had a firm belief in Christ’s achieving power–he believed that Jesus would heal him personally. Jesus loves each individual exactly where they are–stooping low to meet them there. Never forget, Jesus cares greatly about each and every person–our misery is ever the object of His great mercy and tenderness. In unwavering faith, the leper believed that if it was Jesus’ will for him to be clean, he would indeed be clean. Never doubt that God is always good and that it is His desire to do good to His children! It doesn’t matter if presently our circumstances are bad–the promise still holds true. All is grace with God. We are to pray that our trials are mere trails to His loving arms, and our pathway of stones, stairways to heaven. Our Lord will either change our circumstances or change us in them–strengthening, empowering, and lightening our loads that we may rise above them, ever becoming more like Him.

Jesus’ words to the healed leper emphasized the importance of the well man’s immediate obedience. His testimony to the priest and the religious leaders of the day would have been a powerful witness–the cleansing of a leper being an undeniable messianic sign. There is nothing more powerfully convincing than one’s own testimony! What God has done in and through the life that speaks it–who can refute it?

Take It to Heart

Obedience to the Master’s Word is the one of the hallmarks of our love and appreciation for what Christ has done for us. Jesus’ interest in the leper did not merely lie in healing his physical condition. This miracle pointed to who Christ really was–God’s Son.

“Everyone needs compassion; Love that’s never failing; Let mercy fall on me–
Everyone needs forgiveness; The kindness of a Saviour; The hope of nations–
Saviour–He can move the mountains; For my God is mighty to save; He is mighty to save–
Forever–Author of salvation; He rose and conquered the grave; Jesus conquered the grave.” —Reuben Morgan,“Mighty to Save”

Further Reflections

“This morning let us hear the Lord Jesus speak to each one of us: ‘I will help thee’. It is but a small thing for Me, thy God, to help thee. Consider what I have done already. What! Not help thee? Why, I bought thee with My blood. What! Not help thee? I have died for thee; and if I have done the greater, will I not do the less? Help thee! It is the least thing I will ever do for thee; I have done more, and will do more. Before the world began I chose thee. I made the covenant for thee. I laid aside My glory and became a man for thee; I gave My life for thee; and if I did all this, I will surely help thee now. In helping thee, I am giving thee what I have bought for thee already. If thou hadst need of a thousand times as much help, I would give it thee; thou requirest little compared with what I am ready to give. ‘Tis much for thee to need, but it is nothing for me to bestow. “Help thee?” Fear not! If there were an ant at the door of thy granary asking for help, it would not ruin thee to give him a handful of thy wheat; and thou art nothing but a tiny insect at the door of my all sufficiency. “I will help thee”.’ O my soul, is not this enough? Dost thou need more strength than the omnipotence of the United Trinity? Dost thou want more wisdom than exists in the Father, more love than displays itself in the Son, or more power than is manifest in the influences of the Spirit? Bring hither thine empty pitcher! Surely this well will fill it. Haste, gather up thy wants, and bring them there–thine emptiness, thy woes, thy needs. Behold, this river of God is full for thy supply; what canst thou desire beside? Go forth, my soul, in this thy might. The Eternal God is thine helper!” —C. H. Spurgeon