Holding Hands

September 14, 2024

Scripture passage: Mark 3:1-6

​​Initiate

A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.

 

 

Interact

After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others. 

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Compile a list together as a group

What are readily acceptable emotions, and what are emotions that seem unacceptable? Choose the most agreeable or endearing emotions, and then the ones that would be frowned on today?

Then consider the emotions displayed by our God/Jesus in Scripture.

  1. Compassion                              (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:13) 
  2. Joy                                                   (Zephaniah 3:17) 
  3. Pride                                              (Genesis 1:31) 
  4. Love                                              (John 15:13)
  5. Compassion                           (Matthew 9:36) 
  6. Joy                                                 (Luke 10:21) 
  7. Sympathy and Sorrow    (John 11:35, Luke 19:41) 
  8. Anger                                          (Exodus 32:10) 
  9. Jealousy                                     (Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 4:24)) 
  10. Grief                                             (Genesis 6:6) 
  11. Indignation                              (Mark 10:14) 
  12. Distress and Impatient   (Mark 9:19) 
  13. Sadness                                    (Matthew 26:38) 

These are a few samples that illustrate a broad spectrum of emotions displayed by God/Jesus in the Bible. What is the most endearing and the most difficult emotion for you from the list above?  

 

​Insight

The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.

Then participants are to ask:

  1. What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
  2. What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
  3. Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
  4. What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?

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Today’s Scripture passage: Mark 3:1-6

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

1 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

 

Download PDF of Mark 3:1-6

Let’s discuss some insights into this incident in which Jesus heals a man's crippled hand.

Some were silent, but others were looking to criticize Jesus. Their minds had already made about Jesus.

 Consider the question Jesus proposes in verse 4: "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" good or evil? Save or kill? 

Jesus reacted to the Pharisees' hardness of heart with anger and grief.

The power of touch is an intentional approach to healing--Jesus heals the man with the withered hand by touching him (Mark 3:5). What does this physical touch communicate about Jesus' compassion and power? How can we show God's love to others through simple acts of kindness or physical touch?

Insight Out

A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.

 

 

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