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

Thursday, June 5, 2025

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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Haunted House
Article by David Smith
Jesus talked about a haunted house? Don't simply get rid of evil, but fill your life with goodness!

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, June 5, 2025

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Jonathan Edwards:
"I resolve to endeavor to my utmost to act and think as if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and the torments of hell."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Happiness Is in Understanding and Obedience'
"Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Isaiah 43:11-12
""I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed — I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 Peter 2:13-15
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by....."

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!