Isn’t it tragic that when Jesus healed a man with a shriveled hand, the Pharisees failed to see the glory of God in their midst? So focused on their religious rule-keeping, they missed the miracle that Jesus performed before their eyes. They could have been astounded in awe, could have bowed down and worshipped him, but they not only missed the miracle, they missed the Messiah.
In case you need it, here’s a quick refresher of the story:
“On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.” (Luke 6:6-10)
Jesus defies the religious rules to heal a man’s withered hand on a Sunday, his love superseding all man-made laws in favor of healing mankind. Imagine, right before their eyes a shriveled hand becomes whole. Instead of praising Jesus and worshipping in wonder the God who made them and remade this man, the Pharisees stood before the Maker of Heaven and Earth finding fault and seeking to accuse him.
So full to the brim on religion that they couldn’t see God in their midst. They missed the very thing that they were upholding, the very One who could have set them free, by being blinded and bound by rule-following. Tragically, their religion left no room for compassion or loving action and made no space for healing to wholeness, or even God himself.
They missed the miracle and the Messiah.
How many times do we miss the miracle in our midst, miss the very presence of Jesus because we are busy and burdened upholding religion instead of resting in the reality of relationship with Jesus? How often do we miss the miraculous, everyday gifts God lays at our feet, even his very presence, by our rigidity, stubbornness, or pride?
When we come to Jesus, or when he comes to us, it isn’t with a set of prescribed rules to follow, but with unconditional love and forgiveness and an invitation to a life of wholeness. It’s not a list of regimented behaviors to gain God’s favor or forgiveness. Far from religion, or a brand of rule-keeping redemption, it’s the free gift of a spacious life of freedom with God.
God’s love is not earned by keeping a set of rules, but by the simple act of confessing our sin and receiving his forgiveness through Jesus His Son, sent to save all humanity—not the select few perfect rule keepers (as if that were possible). This also is a miracle… something only God can do. We cannot save ourselves through habitual rule abiding or being a good person (also impossible), but merely by simple child-like faith.
Picture life with Jesus as a child being swung in the air by his father, heels kicking high into the sky. A father gently taking the wide-eyed child’s hand and patiently speaking to her, telling her things too wonderful to fathom. A father teaching his son side by side, moment by moment, showing him how to live. A father bending to look the child full in the face and saying, “I love you no matter what.” A child forgiven for their wrongs and rebellion over and over again. And a fearful or bewildered child held throughout life’s storms. A father who never abandons his kids.
I ask myself, how many times have I missed Jesus in my midst? Too rushed, too full of fret or regret, too caught up in how things should be to see the miracle before me—his presence with me. How many times have I failed to see the many ways he is miraculously working things for my good and his glory even when they appear hopeless? How many times have I wanted Jesus to follow my rules and do things on my prescribed timeline?
How often have I missed his still small voice that beckons me to enter his rest, to embrace his peace, to abide in his loving presence, and be comforted in his ever-open-to-receive-me arms of love? To join hands with the miracle-maker who shows me a spacious way aside from petty religious rules.
What would it look like for us to link arms with the One who can repair withered hands, hearts, and lives? The One who brings the dead back to full life? The One who died to give us life everlasting?
Jesus is not only within reach; he is within your very midst.
“Come to me , all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ~Matthew 11:28
To ponder:
- In what ways am I choosing religion over Christ?
- Is there a withered part of my life that I can hold out to Christ for healing?
- Have I trusted Jesus for my salvation, or al I still trying to follow the rules?
My Novella, “Where My Heart Belongs” is a Selah finalist!
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