Scripture: He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. Matthew 12:9-14 ESV
Observation: Having rebuffed the Pharisees who questioned him about his disciples picking and eating heads of grain on the Sabbath, Jesus squarely faces the religious leaders at his next stop. But this time, he will raise their ire on their home turf (a local synagogue) when he heals a man’s hand on the Sabbath.
The scene begins with these wily religious leaders questioning Jesus about the issue of working on the Sabbath as soon as he enters their synagogue. And standing in plain sight to all is a man with a withered hand. Matthew does not tell us whether the Pharisees intentionally set the stage for their loaded question by presenting the man before Jesus. Regardless, they opportunistically question Jesus about the legality of healing on the Sabbath—implying it constituted work (before Jesus had done anything). Avoiding their trap, Jesus challenges these hypocritical experts of the law regarding whether they would work on the Sabbath to rescue one of their sheep and then contends that a man is worth far more than a sheep. Then, without further argument, the Lord of the Sabbath illustrates his authority and heals the man’s withered hand. Furious but nonplussed, the Pharisees take leave and reconvene elsewhere to conspire to eliminate this one-of-a-kind zealot that poses a new threat to Israel’s national security.
Of note, an astute rabbi would see the similarities between Jesus’ miracle and Yahweh’s healing of Moses’ hand during Moses’ commissioning ceremony at the burning bush: “Again, the LORD said to him, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” And he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. Then God said, “Put your hand back inside your cloak.” So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh” (Exodus 4:6-7 ESV).
Takeaway: While the tagline had spread that Jesus was demon-possessed (see Matthew 9:34), how could the religious leaders continue to discredit him as the long-awaited Messiah in the face of mounting evidence that puts him on par with the likes of Moses and Elijah? Indeed, both of these giants of the Jewish faith would attend to Jesus at his soon transfiguration (see 17:3). Meanwhile, this back-hills miracle worker who claims to be Lord of the Sabbath continues to grow in popularity among the masses—causing grave concern for his adversaries.
So, how does this story apply to us? A couple of thoughts come to mind. First, just as the Pharisees quickly dismissed the evidence based on their preconceived notions, all of us are capable of missing or denying the proof that Christ is at work among us. Whether out of embarrassment or ignorance, we can dismiss supernatural events with rationalized explanations—particularly in cultures like ours where a materialistic worldview has seeped into our Christian worldview.
Secondly, in light of our text, doing good works on the Sabbath is lawful. So what other parameters might constitute a Sabbath rest? Prescribing the length of time or day of the week can lean toward legalism, but we would do well to consider its purpose. Since Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and promises to give our souls rest if we draw near him (11:28-30), worship should be part of our Sabbath experience. Moreover, the object of our worship must always be Christ, whether we spend our time in fellowship or alone, participating in spiritual disciplines, preparing a meal, or even watching the Superbowl with friends. Indeed, finding refreshment and restoration in the Son of God is at the heart of his gift of Sabbath rest. And we might even witness a miraculous outcome in ourselves and others when we ease the pace of life and worshipfully rest in him.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, our Lord of the Sabbath, who still refreshes souls when we draw near him and seek his Shalom rest. Still, we struggle to set aside time and space to fellowship with him consistently. So would you please help us grow in our love for and obedience to your Son that would foster a hunger for regular Sabbath restoration with him? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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