Healing the man with a withered hand

Christ heals tne man with paralysed hand

Healing the man with a withered hand is one of the miracles attributed to Jesus according to the New Testament. This event is recounted in three of the Gospels: the Gospel of Matthew (12:9-14), the Gospel of Mark (3:1-6), and the Gospel of Luke (6:6-11). It is a significant miracle because it highlights Jesus' authority and power to heal, as well as his willingness to challenge the Pharisees on the interpretation of the Sabbath laws.

Biblical narrative

The story takes place in a synagogue on the Sabbath. Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees watch Jesus closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, which they considered to be a violation of the law. Jesus, aware of their thoughts, asks the man to stand up in front of everyone. He then poses a question to the Pharisees: "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" (Mark 3:4). Without waiting for their response, Jesus tells the man to stretch out his hand, which he does, and his hand is instantly restored.

Interpretation and significance

This miracle is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates Jesus' power to heal and his authority over physical ailments. Secondly, it highlights the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities of the time over the interpretation of the Sabbath laws. Jesus challenges the Pharisees' strict legalism, suggesting that mercy and doing good should not be restricted by the Sabbath.

The healing of the man with a withered hand is often interpreted as a sign of the coming of the Kingdom of God, where physical and spiritual restoration is available to all. It also serves as a testament to Jesus' mission to bring healing and salvation to humanity, regardless of the constraints of human laws.

Themes

Several themes emerge from this miracle story, including:

• The authority of Jesus: He demonstrates his divine authority to heal and to interpret the Sabbath laws.
• The conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees: This event is one of many that highlight the growing tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders.
• The importance of compassion: Jesus prioritizes compassion and mercy over strict adherence to the law.
• The nature of the Sabbath: The miracle prompts a reevaluation of what is permissible on the Sabbath, emphasizing the value of doing good and saving life.

In art and culture

The healing of the man with a withered hand has been depicted in various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and literature. These depictions often emphasize the compassion of Jesus and the miraculous healing.

See also

• Miracles of Jesus
• Sabbath in Christianity
• Pharisees