The withered hand is a story found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke where Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. In Matthew 12:9-21, Jesus enters the synagogue and heals the man's hand, causing the Pharisees to question the validity of Jesus' actions. In Mark 3:1-12, a similar account is given, but the Pharisees react with anger and conspire against Jesus. In Luke 6:6-11, the healing of the withered hand is used as an opportunity for Jesus to challenge the Pharisees' legalistic view of the Sabbath.
This passage is important as it demonstrates Jesus' authority and compassion in healing individuals, even on the Sabbath when it was considered unlawful to do so. It also serves as a reminder to prioritize love and mercy over religious legalism. A helpful daily application for readers is to focus on showing kindness and understanding towards others, even if it goes against cultural norms or traditions.
The withered hand miracle is found in all three Synoptic Gospels, but each account offers different details and perspectives on the event. Matthew and Mark focus on the conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees, while Luke emphasizes Jesus' teachings on the true meaning of Sabbath observance. Despite the variations, the central message of Jesus' compassion and authority remains consistent throughout the passages.
Matthew: 12:9-21
In Matthew 12:9-21, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, angering the Pharisees. He then withdraws and continues to heal many others while fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah, demonstrating his role as the chosen servant of God. This passage can also be found in Mark 3:1-12 and Luke 6:6-11.
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Mark: 3:1-12
In Mark 3:1-12, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, causing opposition and controversy among the Pharisees who plot to kill him. This passage is also found in Matthew 12:9-14 and Luke 6:6-11.
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Luke: 6:6-11
In Luke 6:6-11, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, despite the opposition from the Pharisees who were watching him closely. This passage is also found in Matthew 12:9-14 and Mark 3:1-6, showing the significance of the event in the gospels.
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