[H]e said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

Mark 3:1-6

[H]e said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. Mark 3:3-5

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 3:3-5, which is the text for the second (of three) division per the commentary.  Excerpts from the commentary for the first division:

• "There will be no retreat in His message and no backing down in His actions. With the courage of His convictions, He will press forward, obedient to the will of God regardless of the consequences. Note the example He provides for us."
• "The ravages of the curse are reversed as a foretaste of life in the kingdom when “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4)."
• "Jesus actually fulfills the intent and heart of the Mosaic law. He will make this clear when He answers a scribe who asked, 'Which command is the most important of all?' (Mark 12:29-31)."
• "In this act of mercy, Jesus loves His Father by expressing God’s character and compassion toward this man, who is undoubtedly one of God’s precious creatures. Likewise, He loves this man through His kind, healing touch. The Pharisees knew nothing of this love and thus were far from fulfilling the law of Moses."
• "Sometimes in life and ministry we must confront and provoke others. It is neither easy nor fun. However, sometimes it is necessary, especially when the right thing is not being said or done. Here Jesus raises the right question given the situation of the man and the foolish regulations of the Pharisees[.]"
• "It is both shocking and sad to think that the Pharisees could not correctly respond. Their silence condemns them, and it reveals a tragic flaw in their theology concerning the nature of our God—a God of grace and mercy, love and compassion."
• "Pride is dangerously deceitful, and it, unlike any other sin, provoked our Lord to righteous anger. It was right for Him to feel that way with the Pharisees, and it is right for Him to feel that way today, for pride still deceives us all."    

As the commentary shares, standing firm in Truth while doing good or being obedient in any of God's commands, sometimes requires great courage.  In this particular case, God seeks for us to demonstrate compassion and do good.  On other occasions, God wants us to share His position on matters such as marriage, abortion, etc.  For some this requires incredible courage in the face of physical danger - the ministry that comes to mind is Voice of the Martyrs that focuses on supporting those in parts of the world means imprisonment, harsh punishments, or even death for those that share the gospel or otherwise practice their faith publicly.  See also Matthew 7:24-27 where Jesus encourages us to have faith with a strong foundation, one that does not shake or fall.  We must remain in Him for Him to remain in us - see John 15:4-11.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion for me - even when I don't have compassion on others.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation, nor the grace and mercies that You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.