The Withered Hand and the Withered Heart
Matthew 12 presents two conditions within a single synagogue scene. A man’s hand was withered; Jesus spoke, and in the moment of...
Stretching Out What Feels Withered
The man in Matthew 12 could not stretch out his hand until, in obedience, he did. Jesus spoke; the man responded, and strength arrived in...
Of How Much More Value Is a Man Than a Sheep?
When the Pharisees attempted to ensnare Jesus with a question about the Sabbath, He answered with a question of His own. “If one of you...
The Person Religion Overlooks
On a Sabbath in Capernaum, Jesus entered the synagogue and noticed a man whose hand was withered. The religious leaders noticed him as...
When “I Can’t” Meets the Command to Stretch
Many of us have stood before God and whispered, or even insisted, “I can’t.” Moses claimed he could not speak. Gideon declared he...
The Rest You Can’t Earn
“The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” — Matthew 12:8 We often think of rest as something we earn. Finish the work, then rest....
Religion Sees Problems. Jesus Sees People.
“Then He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’” — Matthew 12:13 The Pharisees saw a theological opportunity. Jesus saw a...
When Rules Get in the Way
“For I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” — Matthew 12:7 The disciples were hungry. They were walking through a grainfield on the...
Have You Read Your Bible?
“Have you not read…?” — Matthew 12:3 There is something wonderfully direct about Jesus’ response to the Pharisees. They come to...