I have always thought Jesus only got bored (got angry) when He threw out the money lenders from the temple (Matthew 21) until today. Let’s dive into the scriptures for the next 3 minutes.
Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. ~ Mark 3:4-5
- On this day in history, it is recorded (NLT) that Jesus’ enemies were watching Him closely so that if He healed a deformed man’s hand, they would accuse Him of working on the Sabbath (Mark 3:2).
- Dear friend, if we have been sent just as Jesus was sent (John 20:21), know that we also have enemies (spiritual and physical); they are watching us closely; and they are seeking for something to accuse us of.
The Pharisees had made a ‘god’ out of their rules and traditions. They had neglected or perhaps did not know God’s heart behind the commandments: “love for God and love for your neighbour.”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”~ Matthew 22:37-40
- And we see Jesus get angry here because the Pharisees wouldn’t make a stand to do good or save a life.
- Then He grieved (felt intense sorrow or sadness), because of the hardness of their heart.
- The reaction of Jesus to these two traits should teach us to be the opposite.
#1. Make a stand based on God’s heart
- A believer, walking as Jesus did, should make a stand based on God’s heart and not on established traditions of man.
- Jesus was saying, “Forget about the Sabbath law for a moment, should we do good or evil; save life or kill?” And they wouldn’t make a stand!
If it is unacceptable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
- Dear Christian, learn to make a stand based on God’s Word and His heart/will.
- God gets angry and spits out people who choose the middle ground (lukewarm; silent).
- Choose the narrow road to eternal life and make your stance clear to all!
Example: What is your stance on sexual purity, worldly music, giving, homosexuality, submission, greed, sacrifice, suffering, corruption, etc.?
#2. Have a soft heart
- A disciple of Jesus should have a soft heart. Jesus grieved because their hearts were hardened – cannot bend, cannot change, will not soften.
- That is the typical traditional mindset which nullifies the word of God.
- It is the hard rocky ground in Matthew 13, where the seed of God’s Word cannot permeate and gain roots.
- Unfortunately, you meet people who gladly say, “As for me, nothing can change my mind; that’s how I am!”
- Oh dear believer, what is the use of a mind that can’t change?
- “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” is the mantra of a “child of God.” [We are very sorry if you are an adult of God, this is not for you].
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." ~ Romans 12:2
- One thing that brings such hardness of heart is our pride! Please let’s stop fighting the Word of God and the instructions from His messengers to us.
- Accept Jesus to be the Lord (ruler, master) of your life and not just your saviour. Submit humbly to His Word, to His Spirit and to His ways.
- Be someone who can be talked to, advised, counselled, rebuked, corrected, and easy-flowing.
Softness of heart is a sign of a true Spirit-filled believer (Read Ezekiel 36:26). Receive grace to make your stand for the Lord and receive a soft and humble heart. Heyy… you’re blessed!
Do share your wisdom lessons from Mark 3. Remember to tag us on 📲:
☆ IG: @cfc_knust OR @gracefieldschapel_knust OR @awg_devotional
☆ FB/X: @AWGDevotional
