Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 3
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Mark 3
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Mark 3
"And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there who had his hand withered." — Mark 3:1 (ASV)
In the final conflict story, Mark again gives no details of time or geographical location. The story takes place in a synagogue where there is a man with a “shriveled hand.” Apparently some sort of paralysis is meant.
"And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him." — Mark 3:2 (ASV)
Mark does not specifically identify the opposition here, though he clearly means Pharisees and the teachers of the law (cf. Lk 6:7). Since Jesus had already raised suspicions in their mind because of his unorthodox actions, these men were present in the synagogue to spy on Jesus, “looking for a reason to accuse” him. They were convinced of his power to perform miracles, but were wondering if he would break rabbinic law that allowed healing on the Sabbath only if that life was actually in danger.
"And he saith unto the man that had his hand withered, Stand forth." — Mark 3:3 (ASV)
Jesus was fully aware of the designs of the opposition. Instead of acting carefully, he commanded the man to stand up and come to “center stage” so that all in the synagogue could see what he was going to do to him.
Jesus knew what was racing through the religious leaders’ minds. So he asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” Perhaps Jesus meant that there is little difference between manslaughter and refusing to be concerned about relieving a distressed person. Or perhaps Jesus was indicting the Pharisees who were already plotting to kill him (v.6). The Pharisees were silent, refusing to debate the issue with Jesus.
"And he saith unto them, Is it lawful on the sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to kill? But they held their peace." — Mark 3:4 (ASV)
Jesus was fully aware of the designs of the opposition. Instead of acting carefully, he commanded the man to stand up and come to “center stage” so that all in the synagogue could see what he was going to do to him.
Jesus knew what was racing through the religious leaders’ minds. So he asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” Perhaps Jesus meant that there is little difference between manslaughter and refusing to be concerned about relieving a distressed person. Or perhaps Jesus was indicting the Pharisees who were already plotting to kill him (v.6). The Pharisees were silent, refusing to debate the issue with Jesus.
"And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their heart, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth; and his hand was restored." — Mark 3:5 (ASV)
Anger is rarely directly attributed to Jesus (cf. comment on 1:41). When he was angry, it was never the expression of injured self-concern. It was more like “righteous indignation”—what a good person feels in the presence of stark evil. Such anger was particularly appropriate to this situation, for Jesus saw the stubborn, unfeeling hearts of his enemies. He ordered the man to stretch out his hand; the man obeyed, and it was instantly and completely restored.
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