November 12th

Mark 3:1-6. Since Jesus seems to have been aware, in all of their other meetings, of the inner thoughts of the Pharisees, it seems likely that here, too, on his return to the synagogue, he is aware of the hostile intentions of those in the room; and he asks his question accordingly.
He calls up a member of the synagogue who has a withered hand--we'll call him 'dear old Mr. Smith', for he and his condition have likely been a fixture of that congregation's life for years. His question to all present is not an innocent one, and it calls to mind some of his other poke-the-ant-hill-with-a-stick questions later on, for instance: 'The baptism of John--was it from God or from man?' 'What does our law allow us to do on the Sabbath?' he asks. 'To help or to harm?' Instead of the interesting and vigorous debate that normally would have ensured there is an obstinate silence.

Everyone is looking completely past Mr. Smith and his condition, showing no compassion, holding out no hope that here before them, perhaps, was the opportunity for his healing. If you want to know how to stir up the wrath and grief of God, here is your formula. RS