Stubborn Hearts

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.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. - Mark 3:4-5This amazing story of an unusual miracle service, bringing hope and healing to a man with a  ‘withered’ hand says so much about Jesus the radical and courageous rabbi. His miracle ministry to the hurting and broken, acceptance of those rejected and evident relationship with the Father was truly remarkable and groundbreaking. Yet in other respects He was also orthodox, engaging fully in the Hebrew Scriptures, synagogue services, annual feasts and customs of the Jewish people. His love and compassion for the hurting and courage to heal despite extreme opposition reveals a man on a mission. Jesus knew His calling, ‘to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives..’ At the same time this story in Mark’s Gospel also says much about the people who were opposing Him, the Pharisees.Although they occupied a place of prominent spiritual leadership, the ministry of Jesus revealed a darker, more sinister side to the motivations of envy and jealousy that fuelled these religious leaders. Their thoughts and actions were of course extreme and seem distant to us, yet we can ask questions that may help us avoid missing Jesus and His works in our own time and context. What is fuelling my spiritual journey?Is it a love for God? Fear? A desire for acceptance or approval? Routine?How can I make sure I don’t make the mistake of missing seeing Jesus at work? How can I demonstrate the courage that Jesus did, reaching out to bring healing to others despite opposition and criticism?