What Jesus Did! 'Well and Sick' — Matthew 12:13-14

Saturday, June 5, 2021

Then [Jesus] said to the man [with the deformed hand], "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.
— Matthew 12:13-14 NLT

Key Thought

Isn't it astonishing how a good deed can bring about such an evil reaction?! In this event, Jesus heals a man with a deformed hand resulting in the Pharisees' murderous rage. The problem is not Jesus' action, of course, but the hearts of those involved in the plot. If I am willing to come to Jesus for comfort, rest, and healing, he is more than willing to give it to me. He longs to bless and give rest. If I am seeking to avoid him, to control him, to tame him, to limit him, to religiously domesticate him, then his actions will drive me to anger and maybe even hatred. Each reaction is its own conviction or pardon, because Jesus' intent is only to bless.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, help me see that your desire for my worship is not just your pleasure, but also my blessing. Let me find rest and renewal in your presence as you minister to me through your Son and by your Spirit as I seek to glorify you and place my life under your care. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Jeremiah 17:9-10
  • Proverbs 14:12
  • Matthew 11:28-30

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, June 5, 2021

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 103:5
"[Bless the LORD] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. "
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Otto Dibelius:
"God does not lead His children around hardship, but leads them straight through hardship. But He leads! And amidst the hardship, He is nearer to them than ever...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Joyful People, Joyful Pride' (2 Co. 7:11-16)
"Dear Father, who wills the good of all of your children, Give us great earnestness, eagerness to clear ourselves of evil, indignation over the hurts...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Gives Breath to Everyone' (Is. 42:5)
"God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone..."

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 12:13-14 NLT — "Hold out your hand."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!