1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a 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.
Commentary: When Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in the synagogue, He is angered by the hardness of heart of the Pharisees who prioritize their rigid interpretations of the Sabbath law over the needs of people. Yet, Jesus channels this anger positively, letting it fuel His diligence in doing good and restoring the man’s hand. His righteous anger becomes a driving force for teaching what is right and acting on behalf of those in need.
Application: It’s okay to feel anger when you encounter injustice or stubbornness that hinders what is good. Let that anger motivate you to act diligently in teaching truth and helping others. Don’t allow frustration to turn into bitterness—channel it into purposeful, God-honoring actions that make a difference. Be bold in pursuing what is right, even when it challenges others' expectations.
6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
Commentary: Large crowds gather around Jesus, seeking healing and deliverance. Despite the overwhelming demand, Jesus remains diligent, ministering to the people with compassion. He even prepares a small boat to ensure He can continue teaching without being pressed by the crowd. His actions demonstrate strategic urgency—doing everything possible to meet the needs of the people without being hindered.
Application: Be diligent in serving others by preparing for the tasks before you to do. Anticipate challenges and take practical steps to overcome them. True diligence is not just working hard but working wisely and purposefully.
10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.
14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
Commentary: Jesus goes up a mountain to call His disciples, selecting twelve to be His close companions and to send them out to preach. This moment reflects His diligence in preparing for the work of the kingdom by equipping others to share the load. Jesus doesn’t rush this decision but carefully chooses those who will carry His mission forward.
Application: Diligence often involves building and investing in relationships that advance God’s work. Don’t try to do everything alone. Be intentional about surrounding yourself with people who share a passion for God’s mission and equip them to contribute to His work.
16 And Simon he surnamed Peter;
17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.
20 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.
22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.
32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
Commentary: When Jesus’ mother and brothers come looking for Him, He uses the opportunity to teach that those who do God’s will are His true family. By staying focused on His mission rather than being swayed by family expectations, Jesus demonstrates diligence in prioritizing spiritual relationships and kingdom work over earthly ties.
Application: Be diligent in keeping God’s priorities above all else, even when it’s difficult. Prioritize your spiritual growth and commitment to His work over distractions, including those that might come from well-meaning people in your life. Staying focused on the activity that matters for God's kingdom is the highest act of diligence.