INTRODUCTION: In Mark, Jesus is the servant. In a serving capacity, we see Jesus in this passage teaching important truths, healing needy persons and calling men to serve with Him, thus multiplying His ministry.
Jesus teaches about the Sabbath -- Mark 2:23-28
Vs. 23 -"Corn" means "wheat". To pluck grain in another man's field was permissible under Jewish law. Deuteronomy 23:25
Vs. 24 -The plucking was considered by the Pharisees (legalists) to constitute work. The law of Moses forbade reaping and threshing on the Sabbath and this is what they were falsely accused of doing.
Vs. 25 -The example of David is cited. I Samuel 21:6. Jesus taught that the law was not intended to be more important than the providing for the necessities of the body. CF. Vs. 27.
Vs. 26--28 -- The shewbread was placed daily in the place of worship. It was sacred and unlawful for anyone but the priests to eat. Actually the rabbis had struggled over this problem and came to the conclusion that a man was justified in eating the sacred loaves rather than starving. God's laws were given that men might live, not die. With this Jesus agreed.
Vs. 1 - Even in the synagogue, there was a man who needed Jesus. Even in the church, there are those who need to be saved.
Vs. 2 - The Pharisees watched the Lord closely. They knew of His concern and compassion for the needy.
Vs. 3 - Jesus wanted the man with the withered hand to identify himself just as He wants every sinner to acknowledge their sin.
Vs. 4 - Pointed questions which should have been easily answered if the Pharisees hearts had been right.
Vs. 5 - Jesus was angered over the rebellious attitude of the Pharisees and it grieved him. When we detect danger in our heart over a sinner's behavior, we should immediately turn it to grief because of their condition. II Timothy 2:24-26; John 3:17-18.
The man stretched forth his hand at the Savior's command because He believed Jesus would do something for Him. Jesus did. He healed him. Jesus will save every sinner who will by faith trust Him.
Vs. 6 - The Pharisees (the keepers of the law) joined forces with the politicians (the Herodians) to destroy Him. It's dangerous to rebel against Jesus. You may go too far, as these did, and you suddenly will have a hardened heart that will cause you to overtly go against the Lord.
Note: The Sabbath was made for man. God knew man needed one day in seven to rest and worship so He set aside one day for that. There are some things that pertain to provisions for life's needs that in emergencies they are alright to do but we should observe the Lord's day (Sunday) as a special day, a day where we refrain from doing many of the things we normally do on the other 6 days. Also, the Lord's day is for helping others and bringing them to the Saviour so that He may heal them.
Vs. 7 - After Jesus healed the man with the withered hand, the Pharisees sought to destroy Him. He withdrew Himself to the sea away from Capernaum.
Vs. 8 - A great multitude from great distances came to Him. Some may reject Him, but there will always be folks that will come to Him.
Vs. 9--11 -- The Lord shows His power by healing and casting out demons.
Vs. 12 -- Jesus was not ready for folks to be widely proclaiming Him as God.
Vs. 13 -Before Jesus called the twelve disciples, He spent all night in prayer. Luke 6:12. It is important to pray.
Vs. 14 -Jesus chose twelve to be with Him, to preach, and to have power over sickness and demons. Jesus knew He needed to train some men to carry on His work after He left. These would be those special ones who would write some of the New Testament books and who would spread the Gospel after His ascension.
CONCLUSION: Let's properly observe the Lord's day and be a great testimony for Christ. Let's exalt Jesus so the multitudes will come to Him. John 12:32. Let's train others by precept and example to exalt the Lord Jesus and spread His gospel.