Thursday 24 October 2024
Then he [Jesus] said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” (v. 4)
Background
Today’s story is the climax of a series of conflicts between Jesus and his critics among the scribes and Pharisees. Chapter 2 of Mark's Gospel describes Jesus facing criticism over a number of incidents, including declaring the forgiveness of a man’s sins when he was healed (Mark 2:5-12); eating with tax collectors and sinners (2:14-17); not fasting like the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist (2:18-20); and when his disciples plucked ears of corn on the Sabbath (2:23-28). Now, as chapter 3 starts, one further controversy arises, over healing on the Sabbath day.
Although today’s story gives us a healing miracle, the real purpose of its telling seems to be the question Jesus puts to his critics: “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath?” (v. 4) All through this series of stories Jesus appears to know what his opponents are thinking. He can, therefore, pre-empt them before they have the chance to voice their challenges. This must have infuriated the scribes and the Pharisees who, at the close of today’s scene, go out and conspire with the Herodians to get rid of him.
The Herodians were a group of people who supported the royal dynasty of King Herod Antipas, who ruled over Galilee at the time of Jesus’ ministry. There are several Herods in the history of Judea, Galilee and surrounding provinces, including the one visited by the Magi in the narrative of Jesus' birth, as told in Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12). That Herod was the father of Herod Antipas who ruled Galilee during Jesus’ adult life. By that time, Judea, to the south of Galilee, surrounding and including Jerusalem, was under direct Roman rule with a governor (Pontius Pilate). That all said, it was the Romans who called the shots everywhere in the Middle East at the time.
Mark skilfully narrates the crescendo of opposition Jesus provoked. By verse 6 in chapter 3 an array of opponents is ready to conspire against him. The Pharisees and the Herodians were completely opposed to one another on everything else, but they had a common interest in removing Jesus.
Mark presents a stark contrast between Jesus who wants to uphold God’s will for healing and life and his opponents determined to destroy him, perhaps in the name of upholding God’s law.
To Ponder:
- Can you think of modern examples where people adhere to rules in ways that negate the original purpose of those rules?
- 'My enemy’s enemy is my friend' has driven some unholy alliances in world history. But do you think it is always a bad thing?
- Notice that the miracle in today’s story is taken for granted. What does that tell you about Mark’s world-view?
Prayer
Lord of the Sabbath, grant rest and healing to the hard-pressed and clarity of vision to us all. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Alan Bolton
Alan Bolton is a supernumerary presbyter in the High Wycombe Circuit, having sat down in 2018. He preaches regularly round the Circuit and edits the ministerial obituaries for the Conference. His other occupations are family, music, model railways, walking and reading, with a close interest in politics.