Summary: In a synagogue, Jesus encountered a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees observed, intending to use any Sabbath healing as grounds for accusation. Addressing the ethical dilemma, Jesus asked whether it was better to do good and save life or do evil on the Sabbath, but received no reply. Distressed by their indifference, He healed the man's hand, angering the Pharisees. They conspired with the Herodians, plotting against Jesus' life, reflecting the growing tension between Jesus’ teachings and traditional religious authorities.
Gospel Acclamation: Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23)
Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him.
He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.”
Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent.
Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored.
The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.
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