How can we apply Jesus' example of healing despite opposition in our lives? The Scene in Mark 3:5 “And after looking around at them with anger and sorrow at the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ So he stretched it out, and it was restored.” What We Learn About Jesus • He feels righteous anger and deep grief over hard-heartedness, yet He still acts in love. • He refuses to let opposition dictate His mission. • He calls for a response of faith (“Stretch out your hand”) and immediately provides the healing. • He demonstrates that doing good is always lawful, even when critics say otherwise (see Mark 3:4; Matthew 12:12). Why Opposition Should Not Stop Us • Truth is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8); obedience matters more than approval (Acts 5:29). • Darkness pushes back when light shows up (John 3:19–20), but “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). • Persecution is expected (2 Timothy 3:12), yet “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Practical Ways to Follow His Example 1. Cultivate compassionate courage – Let righteous indignation against sin or injustice move you toward redemptive action, not bitter retaliation. 2. Keep doing good works openly – Volunteer, serve, pray for the sick (James 5:14), share the gospel, even if it draws criticism. 3. Extend healing in every sphere – Physical: lay hands and ask God to heal (Mark 16:18). – Emotional: listen, comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). – Spiritual: proclaim forgiveness through Christ (Luke 24:47). 4. Invite faith-filled participation – Like Jesus’ call—“Stretch out your hand”—encourage others to act in faith: step forward, confess, forgive, reconcile. 5. Guard your heart against hardness – Daily scripture, repentance, and communion with Christ keep compassion alive (Proverbs 4:23; Hebrews 3:13). 6. Rely on the Spirit’s power, not human strength – “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). 7. Persist without fatigue – “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Encouraging Promises to Sustain Us • “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) • “See, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) • “The prayer of a righteous person has great power to prevail.” (James 5:16) |
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