‘Moving on from there, he went into their synagogue. And behold, there was a man there who had a withered hand. They questioned him, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?” so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep that falls into a pit on the sabbath will not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable a person is than a sheep. So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and it was restored as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many [people] followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope (Mt. 12:9-21).”’
Jesus went into the synagogue and continued to interpret for the Pharisees how the sabbath should be observed. He showed divine approval of what he was telling them by healing a man with a withered hand. He showed that it was legal to do good on the sabbath and he did not contravene the law. He showed that he had mastery over the sabbath. The Pharisees, who lacked compassion, began to plot how to put Jesus to death. They had such hatred for Christ that they did not care if others suffered as a consequence of their actions.
Jesus continued to heal all who came to him. He quoted from the suffering Servant in Isaiah (Is. 42:1-4) which speaks about God’s love for the spirit filled servant which he has chosen. He will proclaim judgment for the Gentiles and will gently and quietly care for the weak and bring the light of truth to the world. He will bring hope and victory to the Gentiles. The prophecy about the suffering Servant is fulfilled in Jesus.
Almighty God, our hope is in you who brings justice to all who listen to your word. Your Son is the light of the world who illuminates the mind to the wonders that are in store for us if we hold to the truths of his teaching and walk in his light. We pray for the strength to persevere, through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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