Mark 3:
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.
My interest in this verse is less in the healing than it is in Jesus's emotions. He is first angered and then distressed at the stubborn attitude of the church officials. It must have been disturbing that the people in his father's house, the ones who should have been most amenable to all Jesus had to offer, were instead determined to stop him. They would plot and plan for his death to stop him.
All he wanted was for them to see his goodness...and to recognize that there was a higher authority than the law. They were defensive, trying to protect their positions, and unwilling to open their eyes to even a possibility that no one could do what Jesus did without having God behind him.
Prayer: Lord, let my eyes be opened to the messages you send me. Help me to set aside my own self-interest in favor of Your will. Stop my stubborn impulses to protect the status quo. Make me a better disciple for you.
Amen
I chose the same verse a year later. My focus was a little different, but I just can't ignore the feelings of my Saviour.
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