Luke 6:6-11 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught… The miracle is a picture of sublime moral instruction. I. THE BEST ENERGIES OF THE SOUL ARE IN A WITHERED CONDITION. 1. Man's intellectual nature withered, and cannot attain to the inner meaning of Divine truth. 2. Man's moral nature withered, and cannot attain to the rich blessings of the gospel. 3. Man's compassionate sympathy withered, and not deeply sensitive to the woe occasioned by moral evil. 4. Hence, seeing that the best energies of man are withered, he cannot render to God the service due to Him. II. THE WITHERED ENERGIES OF THE HUMAN SOUL ARE CAPABLE OF EFFECTIVE RESTORATION BY CHRIST. 1. We see from this narrative that Christ beholds the withered energies of the human soul with tender compassion. 2. That there is an intimate connection between the word of Christ and the restoration of the withered energies of the soul. 3. That the restoration of the withered energies of the soul is immediate, visible, and complete. 4. That the restoring of the withered energies of the soul can only be accomplished by Christ. III. THERE ARE MANY INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BUT LITTLE SYMPATHY WITH CHRIST IN HIS WORK OF SOUL-RESTORATION. 1. The Pharisees were cunning in their watching of Christ. 2. They were refuted in their contempt of Christ. 3. They were regarded by Christ with mingled feelings of pity and anger. IV. WHY DID THESE PHARISEES OPPOSE THE BENEFICENT ACT OF CHRIST? 1. Because He did not fall in with their views as to the manner and time of the cure. 2. Because they were too proud in spirit to rejoice at the cure thus wrought. 3. Because they saw not the full meaning and blessing of the cure. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. |
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