Mark 3:1-6
1. Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.
2. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.
3. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”
4. Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.
5. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
6. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
Mark 3:1-6: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 1: “Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.”
Jesus enters the synagogue, a place of worship and teaching. He encounters a man with a physical deformity. This sets the stage for a significant event.
Verse 2: “Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.”
The Pharisees are watching Jesus. They want to find fault in Him. Healing on the Sabbath was considered work, which was prohibited.
Verse 3: “Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, ‘Stand up in front of everyone.'”
Jesus calls the man to stand before the crowd. This act draws attention. It sets up a public demonstration of His power and authority.
Verse 4: “Then Jesus asked them, ‘Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?’ But they remained silent.”
Jesus questions the Pharisees. He challenges their understanding of the Sabbath. His question highlights the moral imperative to do good.
Verse 5: “He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.”
Jesus is angry and distressed. The Pharisees’ stubbornness frustrates Him. He heals the man, demonstrating His authority and compassion.
Verse 6: “Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.”
The Pharisees react with hostility. They conspire with the Herodians, a political group. Their goal is to eliminate Jesus, seeing Him as a threat.