MARK 3:1–6, A MAN WITH A WITHERED HAND
MERCY OVER LEGALISM, LIFE OVER LAW
Introduction
After a series of growing conflicts with the Pharisees over forgiveness of sins, table fellowship with sinners, fasting, and Sabbath observance, Jesus again enters the synagogue on a Sabbath. This time the focus is not only on a man suffering with a withered hand, but also on the hardened hearts of the religious leaders. Jesus deliberately places human suffering at the center and confronts a legalistic interpretation of the Law that has lost its life-giving purpose. What unfolds is a powerful revelation of Jesus’ mercy, authority, and the deadly consequences of spiritual rigidity.
Bible Passage
Mark 3:1–6, Again he entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched him closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.
Background
This episode follows Jesus’ declaration that the sabbath was made for humanity and that the Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath. The synagogue, meant to be a place of worship, teaching, and healing, becomes a courtroom of accusation. The religious leaders’ concern is not obedience to God’s will but preserving their authority through rigid interpretations of the Law. This passage marks a decisive turning point where opposition to Jesus develops into an active plot against his life.
Verse-by-Verse Reflection
Again he entered the synagogue
Jesus knowingly walks into a hostile setting. He does not avoid confrontation when truth and mercy are at stake. His mission requires courage rooted in obedience to the Father.
There was a man there who had a withered hand
The man represents human weakness, loss of dignity, and inability to contribute fully to society. His silent presence exposes the contrast between human need and religious indifference.
They watched him closely
The watching of the Pharisees is not an act of faith but of suspicion. Religion becomes a means to accuse rather than a path to healing.
Come up here before us
Jesus places the suffering man at the center. Compassion is never hidden. The real issue is not the law but the life of a human person.
Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath
Jesus exposes the false neutrality of legalism. Refusing to do good when one has the power to do so is itself a form of evil.
They remained silent
Their silence reveals hearts closed to truth. When law is separated from love, it leads to moral paralysis.
Looking around with anger and grief
Jesus’ anger flows from love and sorrow. He is grieved not by opposition but by the hardness of hearts that refuse mercy.
Stretch out your hand
The command demands faith. Healing begins when the man responds to Jesus’ word, attempting what he could not do alone.
His hand was restored
The healing is immediate and complete. Restoration brings dignity, wholeness, and reintegration into community life.
They took counsel to put him to death
Mercy provokes hostility in those who refuse conversion. The giver of life becomes the target of death.
Theological Insight
The sabbath was intended as a gift for human flourishing. Jesus reveals that authentic holiness is measured not by rigid observance but by love that restores life. He asserts divine authority over the Law and reveals himself as its fulfillment.
Application to Christian Life
This Gospel challenges us to examine whether our faith brings healing or judgment. We are called to place people before rules and mercy before convenience, even when it costs us comfort or approval.
Message
Jesus teaches that doing good is never a violation of God’s law. Mercy is the highest expression of obedience. Discipleship demands courage to act with compassion even in the face of resistance.
Outline for Preachers
• Context of growing conflict with religious leaders
• Human suffering placed at the center of worship
• Jesus’ authority over sabbath interpretation
• Hardness of heart versus compassionate faith
• Mercy as fulfillment of the Law
• Cost of choosing life and doing good
• Practical call to compassionate action today
