As was Jesus’ custom, he went to the synagogue a lot; even from a young age. Yet, as Jesus was being raised up in stature and wisdom, he would read from the Scriptures, and sometimes teach. Most people knew him as a teacher and Rabbi. Jesus was like a Pharisee, but Jesus was no Pharisee. And many Pharisees in his day were very jealous of him from day one. They didn’t like this “new kid on the block.” Because what took them many years to learn and study and gain the respect from others, Jesus accomplished in a short time. They also felt threatened by Jesus, though he never threatened anyone. 

They were intimidated by Jesus, because Jesus had a relationship with Almighty God, that they knew nothing about. Jesus referred to God as his Father. This was so alien to the religious leaders. And Jesus would make this known constantly. This loving relationship with his Heavenly Father, and the works Jesus did, were the works of his Father Who is in Heaven. (John 14:10)

Drawing from our main passage today, we may surmise that Jesus had just left the synagogue earlier, but came back because his Father told him that there was a man there who needed healing, and to use the opportunity to draw a conclusion. We may also assume, the man with the paralyzed hand was not sitting in the front row, but seated off to the side, perhaps in the back. Jesus called to him, “stand forth, stand up, come forward, show yourself.” At no time did Jesus ask the man if he wanted to be healed; rather Jesus turned the focus of the purpose of his Father’ house, not just to study and pray, but to be saved and healed. Jesus’ line of questioning to the religious leaders caught them off guard, only because they didn’t know how to answer, teachers of the Law that they were. Or, perhaps they did not want to be the first to respond to this Master.

Yes, it is always a good day on any day, especially the Sabbath to do good and to get saved. To you who are reading this devotion today, if you do not have a relationship with Almighty God yet, (and to acquire this you must have a personal relationship with His Son Jesus), the Master is calling- “stand up, come forward, show yourself.” Respond to Him, with both hands stretched out to the Savior. The Lord sees you and your need for a Savior is visible before Him, because you know, when you know.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I offer to You a heart of thanksgiving for giving the ultimate sacrifice of Your beloved Son, who took stripes for my healing and gave his life that I may live my life in abundance. Lord, I want to live a life of abundance in my relationship with You. I want to walk in the abundance of the healing for which Jesus bore thirty-nine lashes. I long to have my life and my family covered by the abundance of the precious blood of Jesus in all the areas for which he poured out his precious blood. I never want to trample on that most treasured commodity, rather, I receive all he did on behalf of my family and me, so that we may be used entirely for Your glory. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Do you sometimes find yourself acting toward other Christians and what God has bestowed upon them, as the Pharisee’s acted toward Jesus? It can be easy to become envious of others’ gifts, talents, freedom in worship, etc. Be careful not to judge them or speak negatively of them because of the way God is using them. Yes, use spiritual discernment to determine whether it is from God, but never bash them and their God-given gifts. If you find yourself being judgmental, seek God’s forgiveness and ask Him to change your heart toward those as you sincerely pray for them today.