How to Handle Politics

Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone." Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Mark 3:1-6

I love how Jesus handled this situation with the corrupt and evil Pharisees who once again were using Jewish tradition in an effort to accuse Him of disobeying their law so that they could eventually find a cause to kill the Son of God who was trampling on their man made power and influence. You may notice a similarity in how these same actions and behaviors are played out today in the business world, in the political realm, in families and relationships all over the world. Pay close attention to the response, though, of Jesus as I find it interesting that indeed he was angry! That gives me great hope and encouragement in today’s world since there are times when I experience the same backstabbing behavior in the business world where people act with the wrong motives in order to protect their power and influence and it also make me very angry. We read that Jesus was also “deeply distressed” at the stubborn hearts of the Pharisees. We can learn from this too, as we need to also have a burden and broken heart for lost people who are all around us, who, may indeed have made us angry by their selfish motives and harmful behavior but who are in desperate need of healing and restoration by our Lord and Savior who has begun the healing process in us. So, heed the example of Jesus today and boldly make a stand for what is right; let the injustices of this world burn your heart with anger but, ultimately, let them stir your heart with compassion and love for those who have not yet found the miracle and abundance that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

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