Book of Matthew - Chapter 12 - Verse 10

In this verse, the focus is on a man with a withered hand who encounters Jesus on the Sabbath. As Jesus is known for performing miracles, the Pharisees were watching closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, which was a day of rest and observance in Jewish tradition. The question posed to Jesus about the legality of healing on the Sabbath was not one of genuine inquiry but rather a means for the Pharisees to find fault with him. The verse highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time, as Jesus challenges their understanding of the Sabbath law and demonstrates his authority to heal. It also underscores the compassion and power of Jesus, who ultimately chooses to heal the man regardless of the Pharisees' accusations. This encounter sets the stage for further conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment, revealing the deeper spiritual truths he came to teach.

The theological interpretation of the verse where Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand who is questioned about healing on the Sabbath provides insight into the religious customs of the time. The Pharisees, who were strict observers of the Sabbath, were watching Jesus closely to see if he would break the Sabbath law by healing on that day. Their question was not motivated by genuine concern for the man's condition but rather to trap Jesus into violating their Sabbath regulations. This incident highlights Jesus' teachings on compassion and the priority of doing good over legalistic adherence to rules. By healing the man on the Sabbath, Jesus demonstrated that acts of mercy and kindness should not be limited by legalistic interpretations of the law. This event also serves as a reminder to believers that God's love and grace transcend human-made regulations, and that our actions should always be motivated by love and compassion for others.