20b — Withered Hand Video (Matthew 12:9-14)
Jesus Healed a Withered Hand —
One of the most amazing features of the human body is the pair of hands God has designed with eight fingers and two opposing thumbs. Our hands give us the ability to work with incredible detail — an ability that most of the animals do not have. So even if only one of our hands become damaged or diseased, it is very serious — limiting our ability to creatively and purposely function.
Jesus knew the importance of the hands and that is why he showed compassion on the Sabbath and healed a man’s withered hand.
What is a withered hand?
It is a hand in which the muscles lose their strength and bulk — they shrivel. It can happen due to injury or disease. As a result, the hand becomes deformed and crippled with a decreased ability to move.
Watch this video produced by Heidi Rodrick-Schnaath that shows the heart of Jesus compared to the hearts of the Jewish leaders. Which of them was most concerned about doing good?
My Prayer
Dearest Father, Thank you that you and your Son are good-hearted. Thank you that Jesus showed this by healing a man’s withered hand even on the Sabbath. He put compassion and goodness above the rules of people. Help me to follow Jesus’ example and remember that every day is a perfect day for doing good. Amen.
