Encountering Christ: Healing The Man With The Withered Hand

Title: “Encountering Christ: A Man with a Withered Hand” Scripture: Mt. 12:9-14

Type: Series/Expository Where: GNBC 2-27-23

Intro: Spring of 1856, wealthy English Christian woman, Mrs. Colville, was impressed upon by God to travel to N. Ireland to lead souls to Christ. Went to city of Ballymena where started doing home visitation and witnessing. Very limited success. Became discouraged and decided to return to England. Before did, went into one final home where two older women and young man was present. Like the woman at the well in Jn. 4, the home’s occupants tried to evade the Englishwoman’s questions with a smokescreen of theological questions. Colville challenged the house to make Christ Lord and Savior. Little did she know that the young man did just that. Young James McQuilkin gave life to Christ and began to pray, every week for revival to come to Ulster. 2 years later revival came and over 100K were converted in a short time. Changed the culture of N. Ireland for 150 years. Why? Because I woman had a passion to help people encounter Christ!

Prop: In Mt. 12 we’ll notice 4 important aspects of another encounter with Christ.

BG: 1. Again seeing encounter Christ had with individual. – man with withered hand. Possibly paralysis. Possible stroke. Possible injury or birth defect. In a lot of ways the encounter is not about this man, It’s about the hardness of the Pharisees’ hearts.

2. Account is in all 3 Synoptic Gospels. Besides Mt. also Mk. 3:1-6; Lk 6:6-11.

3. Two key take aways: a. Jesus has power to heal. b. The Sabbath was created to bless and give life not restrict people.

Prop: In Mt. 12:9-14 we’ll realize 4 Important aspects of this Encounter with Christ.

I. The Pharisees Set a Trap for Jesus vv. 9-10

A. The Pharisees attempt to “Spring a Trap” on the Savior in a Synagogue.

1. The jealous Pharisees attempt to corner Christ in Synagogue.

a. The Bible tells us that this account takes place in a synagogue in an unknown town in Galilee. V. 9 – Matthew says that Jesus went into “their synagogue”. Mark tells us that Jesus "entered again into the synagogue" (Mk 3:1), indicating that this was His usual custom each Sabbath. Luke (Lk 4:16) and John (Jn 18:20) inform us that Christ regularly taught in the synagogue service. So, especially in this region, Jesus was a well-known figure who taught with regularity.

b. It’s important to realize that this is the 3rd conflict Jesus has had with the Pharisees in the region of Galilee over their rules regarding the Sabbath. The 1st was the healing of the lame man in Jn. 5:1-9; the second was the disciples picking grain in Mt. 12:1-8. Now, we see this conflict taking place in a synagogue. When they should be worshipping they are instead pressing their agenda. Be very careful.

2. The Pharisees Concern was Keeping what they thought was their own.

a. Illust: If you were to follow us home today and walk into our garage, you would see a shelving unit just inside and on the wall adjoining the house. It would not take long for you to notice I have about 8 mouse traps on that wall! Before leaving for Poland cleaned shelving and found a lot of evidence of mice. But when they chewed thru plastic containers to get at my coffee beans and popcorn, war was declared! In about a week killed ten.

b. Why were the Pharisees, these “bloodhounds of hate” following Jesus from town to town? Because they thought they were in charge. Because they thought they knew what was ultimately right. Because they wanted to keep control and power. Actually, that sounds a lot like us. You have a choice: You can be in charge, you can live by your faulty standard, you can attempt to stay in control of your own life, or, you can surrender to Jesus Christ. How’s it working for you?

B. The Pharisees’ Dark Intentions Come to Light.

1. The Pharisees attempt to Shrewdly Capture Christ.

a. Now, I am not sure if the man was a “plant” by the Pharisees or simply an opportunity the Pharisees seized upon in an attempt to entrap Christ. v. 10 Doesn’t give us any clarity, neither do the other accounts. Honestly, it doesn’t matter. This poor man, the Greek adjective for “withered” meant “dried out”, was used in relation to dried out or parched land in the summer’s heat. May have meant shrunken. Disability. Doctor Lk tells us it was his right hand (Lk. 6:6).

b. Illust: We have all seen and talked to people who have honest spiritual questions. We have also seen or known people who have no true desire to know God or know about Him, but simply want to try to discredit the Gospel, disdain true faith, and cast derision on the Person and teaching of Christ.