CONTENTS.
We have here the case of the Man with the withered hand: the Call of the Apostles: the Scribe's Blasphemy: and the LORD JESUS speaking of his relations.
AND he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had withered hand. (2) And they watched him whether he would heal him on the sabbath-day; that they might accuse him. (3) And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. (4) And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? but they held their peace. (5) And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand, and he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. (6) And the Pharisees went forth, and straitway took counsel with the Herodians against him how they might destroy him.
In relation to the miracle here recorded, I refer the Reader for my observations upon it, to Matthew 12:9, etc. When the Reader hath consulted what is there said, I beg his attention to behold the conduct of the Scribes and Pharisees upon the occasion. We are told, that they watched JESUS; not to adore him for his grace and mercy, but that they might accuse him. And as soon as the LORD had manifested his tender compassion to this poor man, they went forth, and took counsel to kill him. Now, Reader, do not overlook these things: for very awful as they are, they become precious testimonies to the truth as it is in JESUS. The LORD himself hath explained the cause. For while he saith, My sheep hear my voice; and I know them and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life. John 10:27-28. he saith to those that are not his sheep: Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. John 8:43-47.
No wonder JESUS looked round about upon them with anger. The seed of the woman, and the children of the wicked one, can never agree. And let it be remembered, that the destruction of the enemies of CHRIST, forms a part of CHRIST's mission as much as the salvation of his chosen. The hour of decision will come, when JESUS will gather out of his kingdom all things that offend; and while the redeemed shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father, the LORD will cast them that do iniquity into the furnace of fire, where is wailing and gnashing of teeth. Isaiah 63:4; Matthew 13:36-43; Matthew 25:31 to the end.