Mark
3:1-6
“They watched
him to see whether he would cure him on the Sabbath,
so that they might accuse him.”
(Mark
3:2)
In the final
seconds of a game, victory is often claimed or relinquished with a made or
missed shot. It takes a focused,
confident player to overcome the pressures of the moment, knowing that hundreds,
thousands, even millions by media outlets are watching or listening. Just standing over a putt with three buddies
watching, I feel the pressure!
Crowds followed
Jesus wherever he went. Every act of
healing or miracle moment became part of the next day’s conversation in the
market, courtyard, and synagogue. Some
were amazed at what he said. Some came
in desperation to find healing. Others
came in hopes of catching Jesus in some word or action they could parlay into an
indictment against him.
Jesus understood
it all. He knew his purpose was greater
than the miracles he performed. He knew
some would be drawn by sensational claims made about him. He also knew that
others wanted only one thing…to destroy him. Talk about pressure!
It doesn’t
appear that Jesus was intimidated by those who watched. Without hesitation, in spite of oppressive
expectations and threats, he remained true to his calling. Meeting human need was more important than
observing ecclesiastic ritual.
It still
is!
Prayer: As the
world watches, Lord, may the love of Christ be seen in me.
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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