“Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 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. 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 3:1-5
Often it’s not what Jesus did, but why He did it. Healing people was, for Jesus, a daily part of His public ministry. But the point behind the above story has to do with why Jesus performed the miracle.
The Lord was deeply disturbed by the indifference the congregation showed toward the man with a disability. He was upset that the people were more concerned about the letter of the law and the proper way to do things rather than meeting the need of a hurting person in their midst. It was their cold, stubborn apathy that prompted Jesus to act.
There are many reasons for reaching out to meet the needs of people around you. One reason may be to simply lend a helping hand. Another may be to put your gifts and talents to use. But a valid reason could be that you must take action against the nonchalance and indifference others have toward the needs at hand. Many a church has been sorely convicted when a believer steps out and shakes up the status quo!
Lord, help me to move fellow believers beyond the careless neglect we often show toward those in need. Give me courage to take action against apathy, and may Your body become stronger for it.
