A Withered Hand in the Synagogue

In Mark 3, Jesus encounters a man with what is described as a “withered hand” in a synagogue. There is not much further description regarding the condition of this man. The main point is, his hand was physically injured. As it was the day of the Sabbath, many witnesses present had expectations that Jesus would not heal this man. After all, it was the day of rest! Contrary to their expectations of how Jesus would behave, He asked the man to stand up and stretch out his withered hand. Once the man stretched out his hand, he was healed (Mark 3:1-5).

While there are many facets to this story, there are two mindsets displayed that I find to be incredibly relevant to us today. First, there is the pharisaical perspective. While nobody wants to be compared to a Pharisee, the reality is, sometimes we have false expectations of how God is going to treat us. In reality, however, God’s plan is often very different than what we anticipate. In the context of this story, the Pharisees did not expect Jesus to heal the man with the withered hand on the day of the Sabbath, as it was outside the realm of Old Testament law. As Jesus was doing a new, beautiful thing amidst creation, the Pharisees were preoccupied with what they wanted Jesus to be like. This text makes me wonder how often I am too preoccupied with my own life to allow God’s plan to come to fruition. For example, while my expectation may be for God to give me a promotion, find that perfect spouse, or pay off school, that is not necessarily His plan for my life right now. If I am selfishly believing that God will fit the mold of who I want Him to be, I may be like the Pharisees in the story and miss the beauty in Jesus’ perfect plan.

Secondly, there is the man with the withered hand. Physically, he is weak and in need of restoration. To receive a healing, however, he needed to take a step of faith. In verse 3, Jesus tells the man to “stand up in front of everyone.” Furthermore, in verse 5, Jesus instructs the man to “stretch out his hand.” Taking into account that Jesus is all powerful and can heal without a single word spoken or single action taken, it may be assumed that Jesus had a specific purpose in using this particular approach. While details of the man with the withered hand’s emotional state are not identified, it is evident that Jesus wanted the man to display his trust in God by boldly stepping out in surrender. Personally, I know I have gone through times that I needed God’s help or healing but was too stubborn or hesitant to ask. After all, God is not always predictable. However, what we must not lose sight of in this story, nor in our own lives, is that God is faithful. Through the man with the withered hand’s step of faith, he was able to find healing and restoration.

Are you in need of healing today? Are feelings of fear or disbelief holding you back from experiencing the fullness of God’s plan for your life? I challenge you to examine where you fit in this story. If you can relate to the Pharisees or the one in distress, I encourage you to pray and surrender your struggles to God. While we may not always know how things will pan out, God is always faithful. Furthermore, when we are willing to step out in boldness for His glory, He may bring restoration.  

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant

Edited by: De Ann Sturdivant