Pray
Read Mark 3:1-2
New Living Translation Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 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.
What purposes do you think Jesus has going into the Synagogue a second time?
The scriptures indicate that Jesus notices the man with the deformed hand. What need do you have that you think might keep Jesus away, when in fact, it might be what will bring Him close to you?
What were the enemies of Jesus doing on the Sabbath and what should they have been doing.
When the enemy plots against you what is your typical response?
What should it be?
Read Mark 3:3-4
Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” 4 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.
Why do you think Jesus putting this man who has a disabled hand on display?
Describe who might be in the crowd.
Who is Jesus speaking to within the crowd?
What do we know about the Sabbath and how we are to behave on the Sabbath?
What is the response to Jesus’ questions?
Why do you think they responded this way?
What do you think is the response today to Jesus’ invitation to believe He is the Son of God?
How might we display our conviction to Jesus in our everyday lives more clearly and effectively to those around us?
Read Mark 5-6
5 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! 6 At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.
What emotions is Jesus going through during this narrative?
What are the motivating factors for His emotions?
How are Jesus’ emotions being used rightly?
Have you let your emotions get out of control? How do you allow the Holy Spirit within you to use your emotions for the Kingdom and not to gratify your sinful nature?
How can we control our emotions and how can sometimes emotions be used for righteousness and sometimes be us giving into sin?
What angers us when it comes to enemy plots and accusations?
When have you been saddened by someone’s hardened heart?
What do you/have you done about it?
What is our responsibility to the crowd who may disrespect Jesus?
What is the Pharisee’s response to the miracle Jesus performs and is it surprising?
When people in our lives disrespect Jesus how are we responding?
How do people around you know you are a follower of Jesus?
Think on This…
What lesson(s) can we learn from Jesus and how can we apply how Jesus behaves even though we may face enemy resistance?