Jesus takes the initiative: 'And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?' Though no one had spoken, Jesus 'answering' (ἀποκριθεὶς, apokritheis) responds to their unspoken thoughts and hostile intentions. He addresses 'the lawyers and Pharisees'—experts in religious law who should know Scripture's true meaning. His question 'Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?' (Ἔξεστιν τῷ σαββάτῳ θεραπεῦσαι ἢ οὔ; Exestin tō sabbatō therapeusai ē ou;) forces them to declare their position publicly. The question is brilliantly framed—answering 'yes' contradicts their tradition; answering 'no' exposes their cruelty.
Historical Context
Jewish Sabbath law, as interpreted by Pharisees, permitted healing only when life was immediately threatened. This man's chronic condition didn't qualify as life-threatening emergency. Jesus consistently challenged this restrictive interpretation, arguing that the Sabbath was made for human benefit, not human burden (Mark 2:27). His Sabbath healings demonstrated that God's rest celebrates His redemptive work, making the Sabbath the perfect day for liberation and restoration. The lawyers' (νομικοί, nomikoi, legal experts) presence indicates this was a formal gathering where Jesus' teaching would be scrutinized.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jesus' preemptive question demonstrate His wisdom in handling entrapment?
What does this incident teach about the difference between biblical law and human tradition?
How should Christians navigate situations where religious authorities demand conformity to unbiblical rules?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus takes the initiative: 'And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?' Though no one had spoken, Jesus 'answering' (ἀποκριθεὶς, apokritheis) responds to their unspoken thoughts and hostile intentions. He addresses 'the lawyers and Pharisees'—experts in religious law who should know Scripture's true meaning. His question 'Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?' (Ἔξεστιν τῷ σαββάτῳ θεραπεῦσαι ἢ οὔ; Exestin tō sabbatō therapeusai ē ou;) forces them to declare their position publicly. The question is brilliantly framed—answering 'yes' contradicts their tradition; answering 'no' exposes their cruelty.