Some people a just looking for an excuse to do something wrong. The recent flash mobs are a good example of this. These people know it is wrong to rush into a store, steal merchandise, destroy property and then run out. And yet, they do it anyway. They might blame it on income inequality, or some other contrived excuse, but they know they are breaking the law.
Corporate executives know their raping of pension funds is wrong, but they do it anyway. Political leaders pass legislation contrary to the wishes of the people who they represent, giving themselves extra perks, and increasing the burden on others. They know it is wrong, but they do it anyway, because they know they will get away with it. “Why not! I deserve my share.”
Jesus is doing what He so often did. He is in the synagogue on Saturday. He is where He is supposed to be as an observant Jew. We might say, we are in church on Sunday were we are supposed to be as faithful Jesus-followers. Church is a better place to be on Sunday than the boat or the golf course. But this is another subject, so I had better stop before I meddle.
Jesus is there with all sorts of people. One has a shriveled hand, and others are looking for a way to bring charges against Jesus and ultimately kill Him. I am sure some are there with better motives, like wanting to hear a word from the LORD. I am sure some are there because Jesus is there. They want to hear what He has to say, maybe even witness a miracle.
What a contrast between what the religious leaders say and do. They claim to be righteous people, living by a higher standard than the common folks, and yet they attend synagogue with the motive of finding a way to kill Jesus. And they go just hoping to catch Jesus healing someone. They are going in order to accomplish something dishonorable. Have you ever left church and complained about something that happened at church? Maybe at times our motives aren’t that pure either.
I would think the religious leaders would be happy to have Jesus there, demonstrating that the LORD had not forgotten His people. They could have been in a long line of those who recognized God’s hand at work. But instead, they actively become opposed to the plan of the God they claim to serve. They knew the character of Jesus, that He had compassion on people and that compassion prompted Him to act in a redemptive manner. And they are planning to use that compassion against Him!
And Jesus knows their motives and their plan. He invites the man with the shriveled hand to step up and become the object lesson in compassion. I can imagine that he felt a little embarrassed to stand up. We don’t know if he was a regular attendee, or if he was there specifically because Jesus was there. We know he responds to Jesus’ invitation. He puts aside any hesitancy he might have had about his disability and accepts what Jesus wants to offer.
The Arnold Journey 