Mark 3:1-5 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.… No great stretch of imagination is needed to see in this narrative a picture of man's spiritual state. The gospel of Jesus not merely tells us what we ought to be, but gives the power by which we actually become that which it requires. There have been many teaching gospels, but this is the only transforming gospel. But the strength of grace is bestowed upon conditions, and these seem to be set forth in the text, "Stretch forth thine hand." By the command of the text three conditions were demanded. I. It is easy to see that there was FAITH required. His faith had much to encourage it; yet he would perhaps feel something of that diffidence which makes it hard to realize as possible to oneself the blessings which have come to others. His faith would also be somewhat severely tested by the manner in which the Saviour dealt with him. Moreover, it appears that there was no outward act on the part of our Lord. It was merely by a word that the invisible power was communicated. This faith was indispensable. It was a condition invariably demanded. Without it Jesus wrought no miracles. Unbelief hinders His merciful designs. Faith is the mysterious moral force which thrusts out the hand of humanity to take the gift Divine. II. The faith of this man was accompanied by OBEDIENCE. The commands, "Stand forth," "Stretch forth thine hand," were by no means easy to obey. But undaunted he obeyed, and in the very act of obedience he found the blessing that he craved. This obedience was the fruit of his faith, and the faith which does not produce obedience is of little worth. Saving faith is always obedient faith. III. It seems evident that there was needed in the case of this man a STRONG RESOLUTION. This may appear from what has been already said. Still more if we consider the act which was required of him. But he found that the law of Christ is, Obey, and thou hast the power. (S. S. Bosward.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.WEB: He entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had his hand withered. |
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