Scripture:
Luke 6:6-11 (WEBBE)
“It also happened on another Sabbath that he entered into the synagogue and taught. There was a man there, and his right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts; and he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Rise up, and stand in the middle.” He arose and stood. Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you something: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?” He looked around at them all, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” He did, and his hand was restored as sound as the other. But they were filled with rage, and talked with one another about what they might do to Jesus.”
Reflection:
This passage presents a powerful moment in the ministry of Jesus, where He challenges the rigid legalism of the religious leaders and reveals the heart of God’s law. On the Sabbath, Jesus enters the synagogue to teach, and there He encounters a man with a withered hand. The scribes and Pharisees, always eager to find fault with Jesus, watch closely to see if He will heal on the Sabbath, which they consider a violation of the law.
Jesus, fully aware of their intentions, calls the man to stand in the middle of the synagogue, placing him at the center of attention. He then poses a profound question to the religious leaders: “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?” This question cuts to the heart of the matter. The Sabbath was intended as a day of rest and worship, a time to draw closer to God. But Jesus points out that the essence of God’s law is love and mercy, not strict adherence to rules at the expense of doing good.
By healing the man’s withered hand, Jesus demonstrates that doing good and showing compassion is always lawful in God’s eyes, even on the Sabbath. His command to the man, “Stretch out your hand,” is both an invitation and a challenge. The man could have hesitated, fearing the reaction of the religious leaders or doubting that anything would happen. But in faith, he obeys, and his hand is completely restored.
This miracle reveals Jesus’ authority over both physical ailments and the religious laws that had become burdensome and misapplied. The man’s healing is a sign of the new life and freedom that Jesus offers—a life where love and mercy take precedence over legalism.
The reaction of the scribes and Pharisees, however, is telling. Instead of rejoicing at the miracle, they are filled with rage and begin to plot against Jesus. Their response reveals the danger of a hardened heart, one that values rules and traditions more than the well-being of others.
As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to consider how we approach the laws and practices of our faith. Are we focused on the letter of the law, or do we seek to embody the love and mercy that Jesus exemplified? The command to “stretch out your hand” is a call to act in faith, trusting that Jesus’ power to heal and restore is greater than any obstacle or opposition we may face.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the true meaning of the Sabbath and for revealing the heart of God’s law as love and mercy. Help us to prioritize doing good and showing compassion in our lives, even when it challenges our understanding or traditions. Give us the faith to stretch out our hands to You, trusting in Your power to heal and restore us. May our hearts be open to Your work in our lives, and may we reflect Your love in all that we do. In Your holy name, Amen.
Application:
- Reflect on areas of your life where you may be more focused on rules or traditions than on showing love and mercy. How can you align your actions more closely with the heart of Jesus?
- Consider how you can “stretch out your hand” in faith today, whether by seeking healing in an area of your life or by reaching out to help someone in need.
- Pray for those who may be struggling with legalism or a hardened heart. Ask God to soften their hearts and open their eyes to the love and mercy that Jesus offers.
Verse for Meditation:
“Stretch out your hand!” He did, and his hand was restored as sound as the other. (Luke 6:10, WEBBE)