Man with a Withered Hand

When Christ entered a synagogue, he encountered a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees were watching to see if Jesus would heal the man in order to accuse Him of breaking the law. Jesus asks the group if it is lawful to do good or bring life on the Sabbath. Their sullen silence was an admission of defeat. Previous encounters with Jesus had taught them that nothing could be gained by challenging Him publicly, for He always succeeded in turning their own arguments against them in such a way as to reveal truth and to make it evident to the people that the rabbinical position was untenable. The Bible says Christ was angry and grieved at them. It is often said that the only anger without sin is the anger against sin. God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. Erring mortals all too often make the mistake of hating the sinner and loving the sin. Anger against wrong as wrong, without evil wish or design on others, may certainly be considered a commendable trait of character.

Mark records the personal feelings of Jesus. He was "grieved" because the Jewish leaders made use of their high offices and positions to misrepresent the character and requirements of God. No doubt He was also "grieved" because of the results this would have upon these leaders themselves and upon those who followed their misleading ideas. The Greek implies that Jesus' initial reaction of anger was momentary, but His concern for these benighted children, estranged from their heavenly Father and misconstruing His love for them, continued.