Topical Encyclopedia The miracle of the withered hand restored is a significant event in the ministry of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. This miracle is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, and Luke 6:6-11. It takes place in a synagogue on the Sabbath, highlighting the tension between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding the interpretation and observance of the Sabbath law.Biblical Account In the Gospel of Matthew, the account begins with Jesus entering a synagogue where He encounters a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees, seeking to accuse Jesus, ask Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” (Matthew 12:10). Jesus responds by illustrating the value of doing good on the Sabbath, comparing the healing to rescuing a sheep fallen into a pit. He asserts, “How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:12). Jesus then instructs the man to stretch out his hand, and as he does, it is completely restored. Mark’s account provides additional context, noting that Jesus was angered and grieved by the hardness of the Pharisees’ hearts (Mark 3:5). This emotional response underscores the spiritual blindness and legalism of the religious leaders, contrasting with Jesus’ mission of mercy and restoration. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the setting of the synagogue and the presence of the scribes and Pharisees who were watching closely to see if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath (Luke 6:7). Jesus, aware of their thoughts, calls the man forward and poses a rhetorical question about the appropriateness of doing good or evil on the Sabbath, highlighting the moral imperative of mercy over ritual. Theological Significance The miracle of the withered hand restored is rich in theological implications. It underscores Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath, affirming His identity as the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). By healing on the Sabbath, Jesus challenges the prevailing legalistic interpretations of the law, emphasizing the spirit of the law, which is rooted in love and compassion. This miracle also serves as a testament to Jesus’ divine power and His role as the Messiah who brings restoration and wholeness. The physical healing of the man’s hand symbolizes the broader spiritual restoration that Jesus offers to humanity. It is a foretaste of the kingdom of God, where brokenness is made whole, and the marginalized are restored to community. Pharisaic Opposition The reaction of the Pharisees to this miracle is one of hostility and plotting. In Matthew and Mark, it is noted that the Pharisees conspired to destroy Jesus following this event (Matthew 12:14, Mark 3:6). Their response highlights the growing opposition to Jesus’ ministry and foreshadows the eventual crucifixion. The Pharisees’ focus on legalistic adherence to the Sabbath blinds them to the miraculous work of God in their midst. Practical Application For believers, the miracle of the withered hand restored serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing compassion and mercy over rigid legalism. It calls Christians to reflect on the true purpose of the Sabbath as a time for worship, rest, and doing good. This miracle encourages believers to trust in Jesus’ power to restore and heal, both physically and spiritually, and to be agents of His compassion in a broken world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 12:10-13And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Withered Hand The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ... The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's Miracles of Healing Unsolicited. The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11 Things which are Characteristic of Mark. Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ... the harmony of the gospels Second Greek Form. Resources What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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