LUKE 6:6–11
HEALING OF THE MAN WITH THE WITHERED HAND ON THE SABBATH
Text – Luke 6:6–11
6 On another sabbath he went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.
7 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.
8 But he knew their thoughts and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there.
9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”
10 Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored.
11 But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
Historical and Jewish Context
The synagogue was the center of Jewish worship and instruction, especially on the Sabbath. Healing on the Sabbath was considered unlawful by strict Pharisaic interpretation, as it was categorized as “work.” A withered hand would have rendered the man partially disabled, excluded from full participation in community life. The tension between Jesus and the religious authorities escalates here as He openly challenges their interpretation of the Law by emphasizing the Sabbath’s original purpose: to do good and bring life, not to enforce legalism.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus reveals that acts of mercy fulfill, rather than violate, the purpose of the Sabbath (CCC 2173). His healing action manifests God’s will to restore wholeness and life. The conflict with the Pharisees reflects the broader resistance to the New Covenant. Jesus’ question—“Is it lawful to do good…?”—shifts the focus from legal observance to moral responsibility. This anticipates the Church’s social teaching: that love and mercy are at the heart of God’s law (CCC 2820, 2447). The healing also prefigures the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick, which restore and heal.
Parallels in Scripture
Deuteronomy 5:12–15 – Sabbath command with emphasis on liberation
Isaiah 58:6 – True fasting (and Sabbath) involves setting the oppressed free
Matthew 12:9–14 – Parallel healing and growing opposition
Mark 3:1–6 – Similar conflict over Sabbath healing
John 5:16–18 – Jesus’ work on the Sabbath intensifies persecution
Key Terms
Withered Hand – Symbol of human weakness and need for restoration
Sabbath – A day set apart for worship, rest, and mercy
Do Good or Do Evil – Jesus reframes the law through a moral lens
Restoration – A sign of God’s Kingdom breaking into human brokenness
Accuse – The beginning of the plot against Jesus, rooted in legalism
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is read during Ordinary Time and reflects the tension between the old and new covenants. It calls the faithful to examine how they live out the Lord’s Day—not merely by rest, but by acts of mercy. It also reinforces that Jesus’ mission is one of healing and liberation, which continues in the life of the Church.
Conclusion
Jesus reveals that the heart of God’s law is mercy. His bold healing on the Sabbath teaches that doing good transcends legal rigidity. While the Pharisees focus on law-breaking, Jesus focuses on life-giving. True fidelity to God’s law means loving in action.
Reflection
Do I place mercy above legalism in my faith practice?
How do I use the Lord’s Day—as a time for love, service, and renewal?
Am I willing to let Jesus restore what is withered or broken in me?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You healed on the Sabbath to show that love fulfills the law. Heal what is withered in my heart—fear, indifference, pride. Teach me to honor Your day by doing good and by resting in Your love. Amen.