Word@Work 025 - Mark 3:1-3
Published: Fri, 12/14/07
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 3:1-3 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shrivelled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shrivelled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone." (NIV)
Jesus was nobody's fool. He knew the inside of everybody's motive and the schemes that they were cooking. He knew why they had come to church - not to learn from Him but to find a reason to kill Him. They were waiting for their chance to pounce.
Jesus knew the pack was out to get him but, unafraid, He chose His moments deliberately to confront His accusers. This was not for fun, or ego, but as proof that He had the power of God that they lacked (as He did with Satan in the wilderness).
Nothing secret here: in full view of seething opponents, Jesus selected a disabled man. The man had everything to gain if he was healed, but Jesus had everything to lose ... and that is really the whole story of the gospel. Jesus loses everything so that we can gain everything.
Interestingly, Jesus still sets up those moments when He is going to confront the cynics and bless the hopeless - and He may want to involve you. So, when He sets up the encounter, don't shrink back!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus always knows the right time to show His power. Help me not to be afraid when you allow things to boil up around me; and help me to be Your agent of truth so that Your power may be seen. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Jesus was nobody's fool. He knew the inside of everybody's motive and the schemes that they were cooking. He knew why they had come to church - not to learn from Him but to find a reason to kill Him. They were waiting for their chance to pounce.
Jesus knew the pack was out to get him but, unafraid, He chose His moments deliberately to confront His accusers. This was not for fun, or ego, but as proof that He had the power of God that they lacked (as He did with Satan in the wilderness).
Nothing secret here: in full view of seething opponents, Jesus selected a disabled man. The man had everything to gain if he was healed, but Jesus had everything to lose ... and that is really the whole story of the gospel. Jesus loses everything so that we can gain everything.
Interestingly, Jesus still sets up those moments when He is going to confront the cynics and bless the hopeless - and He may want to involve you. So, when He sets up the encounter, don't shrink back!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus always knows the right time to show His power. Help me not to be afraid when you allow things to boil up around me; and help me to be Your agent of truth so that Your power may be seen. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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