The gospels keep historical record of the events which took place while Jesus was on earth, but they also hold important spiritual truths and lessons. One such example is in the third chapter of Mark. The opening verse explains the obvious afflicted condition of a man seeking help.
Mark 3:1-6
1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
Verse two is interesting because it reveals two things: the Pharisees were actively observing Christ and they did not doubt his supernatural power of healing. They knew his abilities and only questioned whether he would exercise them on the sabbath or not. Their careful attention to Christ was not to heed instruction or experience the wonders of Jesus' time on earth. They sought only to find fault with the Savior. Yet, they knew the truth of His ability.
3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.
4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
Jesus openly and directly asked the Pharisees about the sabbath. He charged them with a question that would challenge their tolerance of Christ as King. They knew to save life was good and that to kill was bad, but thy weren't willing to accept that Jesus was not bound by the old law and could perform healing miracles at any time. In our human understanding, as did the Pharisees, we are tempted to stick too closely to earthly things and how we expect things to be done. The Pharisees knew their answer would not be acceptable to the Lord, so they kept quiet. Jesus speaks in the voice of truth. His speech cannot be argued.
5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
Mark is the only gospel that mentions Jesus' anger. The Pharisees' hearts were hardened to the point where they willfully rejected God's truth. Jesus was grieved by their outright rejection. Yet, despite people opposing the work, Jesus performed a miracle. The man's hand was made whole. God's power does not depend on the opinion of man. It is not bound by the old law. It is not limited by man's rejection of the truth. He is still able to work in divine ways for the restoration of the soul and body of those who are willing to accept His truth.
6 And the Pharisees went forth, and striaghtway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
Without noting the miraculous work which had just been performed, the Pharisees instead moved right away to how they might get Jesus in trouble. The world won't always recognize the works of God for what they are, and will instead seek for ways to cause trouble. The enemy doesn't care how God works on the behalf of His children, they only desire to turn people away. Insterestingly, the Pharisees and Herodians had very different veiws on some things, but the gospel was a message which threatened them both. Even the most diverse political and religious factions were united in the cause of bringing to naught God's plan. Even when God's power is clearly manifested, it can be lost to those whose hearts are set against Him. That makes it all the more important for use to be instant in season and out of season (II Timothy 4:2) and live an example at all times.
We have to be careful ourselves not to neglect the dealings and workings of God. He has shown Himself powerful time and time again. To deny that power as the Pharisees did is grievous to God. Even if it doesn't make sense in the eyes of man, God's ways are best. The Pharisees rejectred the truth of God. We need to be careful not to reject the truth He presents to us still today.
Keep encouraged!
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