Article June 12, 2017 Issue

Christlike rebukes and Christian healing

Keith S. Collins

These arrogant Pharisees did not scare Jesus. Callous and cruel, they silently watched to see if he would heal a disabled man on the Sabbath (see Mark 3:1–5). If he did, they would have what they needed: clear evidence that he did not respect their laws. They could eliminate him with a clear conscience.

But far from being intimidated, Jesus welcomed another opportunity to prove the healing power of Christ, God’s message of love to humanity. He knew that the spiritual authority of God, who is divine Love itself and the source of all real being, was not bound by human laws, even ones with a religious sheen.

“Stand forth,” he commanded the sick man, who suffered from what the Bible calls “a withered hand.” Jesus then put a question to his adversaries: “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill?” Knowing that a trap was being set for them, they refused to answer, but Jesus was now in charge. “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 whole as the other.”

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