Encounter: The Man with the Withered Hand

Scripture: Mark 3:1-6 NLT

Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him. He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.

Prayer:

God, how often I want to control you with human boundaries and man-made laws. While I may not want to admit it, it’s true. Some of that may be my myopic view of the world; I only know what I’ve seen and experienced. But God, please deepen my faith to see beyond evident barriers and into your infinite reach, for you are willing and able to work when I least expect it. Your limitless goodness is outside of my reckoning. May I respond with a softened heart and faith of the man who held out his hand, and in so doing, be restored. Amen.

Read all of 40 Days of Prayer at easter.crossings.church.