Apr 12, 2015
“Amplify: Doing Good”
Mark 3:1-12
Withered Hands . . .
Jesus showed compassion to the man with the withered hand.
“And Jesus said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Come here.’” (v. 3)
The essence and reality of Sabbath is God extending grace that we might find rest and restoration in Him.
· We are all in need of mercy and grace. “Come here.”
· We are all in need of restoration. “’Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” (v. 5)
Hardened-Hearts . . .
Jesus confronted with brokenness the Pharisees’ hardened hearts.
“And He looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart . . .” (v. 5)
The Pharisees were so consumed with keeping all the traditions and man-made laws that they missed the heart of the Law of God.
o They were critical of that which threatened them.
o They were critical because their heart was full of jealousy.
o They were critical because their prideful arrogance.
The Heart of the Law . . . (v. 4)
· Love God—“And you shall love the LORD your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)
· Love people—“You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31)
What God Requires . . . (Micah 6:8)
· Doing what is right is always good.
o It is always right to do what is good even when others may criticize.
· Loving what expresses kindness is always good.
· Walking humbly with God is always good.
Questions for Discussion . . .
1. What was Jesus communicating about the Sabbath when he healed the man with the withered hand?
2. Is your tendency to show compassion or criticize those with “withered hands?”
3. Why were the Pharisees so opposed to Jesus and always looking for something of which to accuse Him?
4. In the same way that the Pharisees were watching Jesus, those around us are watching us. What are some lessons we can learn from how Jesus amplified the gospel in the midst of criticism?
5. Jesus expressed righteous anger toward the pious Pharisees. Do you believe Jesus was justified in this? What are some examples of expressing justified anger?
6. In what ways should we call, with brokenness, those who are hard-hearted and an obstacle to the gospel?
7. Discuss how you have seen legalism be an obstacle to the gospel.
8. What are the takeaways from this message and our discussion?