Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. Mark 3:1-6 (ESV)
Even when Jesus went to church, there were people there who were damaged and hurting. As soon as He entered, right there was the man with a withered hand.
And in church, like in most churches today, there were people who were critical and judging.
Know why? Because churches are full of people. Ordinary people who are going through struggles. Regular people who sometimes have bad attitudes and make mistakes.
The question that is raised in this story is what is going to take priority – will it be the rules of church or the needs of the people?
Religion or relationship?
Jesus was not impatient with the needs of people. He was angry at the people who had experienced the love of the one true God yet hardened their hearts toward others in need.
The man with the withered hand had only two jobs.
Come. And Reach out.
When he stepped toward Jesus and stretched out his hand, the result was amazing. Miracle. Restoration.
It’s so sad that the silent judging churchy people couldn’t really see the miraculous display of God’s power right in front of their eyes.
If they had, they could have realized that those two steps were all that was needed for miracles and restoration in their own lives.
Come. And Reach Out.
The Savior of the world was right there within reach of the hurting. Ready to help those who were outwardly injured and in pain inwardly.
The wonderful thing is that Jesus is still right here today, saying, “Come. Reach Out.”
Will we choose to cross our arms, stay silent, and keep our churchy reputation? Or will we come to Jesus and reach out in true relationship?
Will we choose religion or relationship?
Action Step: Today, let’s make a decision to truly embrace relationship with Jesus. To look at others with His eyes and realize that we all have areas of hurting. Let’s decide that our church will be one who welcomes all people, whether their hurts show on the outside or are hidden on the inside.
God, thank you that You are waiting with open arms for us and all we have to do is come and reach out to you. Thank you that you love us, even when we are hurting. Thank you that you still do miracles today. Open my eyes and help me to keep my heart from hardening. In Jesus’ name, amen.