Is It Time for Christians to Stand for What We Believe?
Prayer
We return to the Gospel of Gospel of Mark, chapter 3.
At the end of chapter 2, the disciples were accused of violating the Sabbath by plucking heads of grain. Jesus clarified the original intent of the Sabbath law: it was never meant to burden people but to bless them.
“The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.”
Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.
Jesus is our Sabbath rest.
Mark 3:1–6 — Compassion Over Legalism
In Mark 3:1–6 (NKJV), Jesus heals a man with a withered hand inside the synagogue. The Pharisees watched closely, not to worship, but to accuse.
Jesus asked:
“Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?”
They remained silent.
Jesus looked at them with righteous anger, grieved by the hardness of their hearts. His anger was not sinful — it was holy indignation at their lack of compassion.
The man stretched out his hand, and it was restored.
The Pharisees immediately plotted with the Herodians to destroy Him.
Righteous vs. Unrighteous Anger
Luke’s account in Gospel of Luke 6:6–11 tells us they were filled with rage. This was not righteous anger — it was pride wounded by truth.
Scripture tells us:
“Be angry, and do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26)
A biblical example of righteous anger appears in Gospel of Matthew 21, when Jesus cleansed the temple.
Righteous anger defends holiness and compassion.
Unrighteous anger defends pride and tradition.
The Meaning of Healing on the Sabbath
The Greek word for “heal” is therapeuō — meaning to serve, restore, or make whole.
The Sabbath was established for refreshment and mercy (Exodus 23:12).
Service, sacrifice, and circumcision were permitted on the Sabbath (Numbers 28:9–10; Leviticus 12:3).
Jesus did not break the Law — He fulfilled its intent.
In Gospel of John 5:16–17, Jesus declared:
“My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
Compassion is not a violation of the Sabbath — it is the fulfillment of it.
Did Roman Law Prevent Jewish Execution?
In John 18:31, Pilate told the Jewish leaders to judge Jesus according to their law. The Roman Empire allowed religious freedom under Mosaic Law, including severe penalties in extreme cases.
The tension between Roman authority and Mosaic law shaped the events leading to the cross.
Is God Different in the Old Testament?
Some ask whether compassion appears only in the New Testament.
Scripture answers clearly:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
The Psalms repeatedly describe God as gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy (Psalm 86:15; 145:8).
God’s character has never changed.
The Compassion of Christ
Jesus was moved with compassion:
- When He saw the crowds (Matthew 9:35–38)
- When He healed the sick (Matthew 14:13–14)
- When He raised the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:11–17)
Compassion is not seasonal — it is foundational.
Advent Reflection
During this Advent season, are we reflecting Christ?
“Love your enemies… pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
As Christians, is it time we stand for truth — not in pride, but in compassion?
Legalism kills.
Compassion restores.
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath — and Lord of mercy.
Join us next week as we continue our verse-by-verse study through the Gospel of Mark. Let us remain steadfast in faith, walk in love, and share the mercy of Christ — for He calls sinners to repentance and to life.
— Valley Christian Church
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