“And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.”
Mark 3:1-6 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/mrk.3.1-6.KJV
Don’t Be Surprised
There are some things that shouldn’t surprise us:
Winter blooming to life each spring.
The sun rising every morning.
Our ongoing need for food, water, air, and rest.
Change being an essential part of life.
Likewise, there’s no escaping the fact that life is messy and full of trouble. This beautiful world is fractured. But despite this, Jesus offers us hope:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
What “things” had Jesus just told His disciples?
He was honest about the grief and pain they’d endure but also about the future joy they’d experience. He was preparing their hearts for His death and their persecution but also for His resurrection and their salvation. Jesus’ encouragement to His disciples is also an encouragement to us…
We shouldn’t be surprised that this world is full of challenges—but Jesus is bigger than it all.
Following God ...