“It Is Always Right to Do Good

Mark 3:1–6

Introduction
In Mark 2:1–3:6 we see the build up to inevitable conflict. The hostility now reaches a climax,
with anger and ill will on both sides. Jesus will not back down, though He understands where
this will lead. Consumed with the will of His Father and emboldened by uncompromising
conviction, He moves ahead with His face set toward the cross, convinced that “it is always right
to do good!”

I. Doing Good for the Glory of God Will Invite Critical Scrutiny (Mark 3:1–2)
For Jesus, doing good for the glory of God is not restricted by date or location. This encounter
occurs on the Sabbath in the synagogue. One cannot help but believe Jesus is deliberately
provoking a confrontation with the religious leaders.
“1. Be Sensitive to Those Who Need Compassion (Mark 3:1)
Jesus sees a man with a withered hand. This man needed Jesus’ attention, and his
healing would be the occasion for God’s power to be displayed. Jesus, with sensitivity
and compassion, determined to act.
2. Be Ready for Those Who Always Criticize (Mark 3:2)
The Pharisees had one goal: they sought to “accuse Him.” They were enslaved to their
own critical hearts, and they did their best to enslave others as well.”
II. “Doing Good for the Glory of God Will Require Personal Conviction (Mark 3:3–5)
A. There will be no retreat in His message and actions. With courage and
conviction, He will press forward, obedient to the will of God regardless of
consequences.
1. 1. Be Right in What You Do (Mark 3:3–5)
a) In this act of mercy, Jesus fulfills the Great Commandments. The
Pharisees knew nothing of this love, thus were far from fulfilling
the law of Moses.
2. 2. Be Right in What You Say (Mark 3:4)
a) Jesus raises the right question, and it is shocking and sad that the
Pharisees could not respond. Their silence condemns them, and
reveals a tragic flaw in their theology concerning the nature of the
God of grace and mercy, love and compassion.
3. 3. Be Right in What You Feel (Mark 3:5)
a) Jesus is angered and grieved at their hardness of heart. Pride is
dangerously deceitful, and it provoked our Lord to righteous
anger.”
III. “Doing Good for the Glory of God Will Encourage Hostile Opposition (Mark 3:6)
A. For some, it is not enough to do the right thing. If you do not arrive at the “correct”
destination by the “correct” route, you get criticized and misrepresented.
1. 1. The Enemy of My Enemy Is My Friend
 a) The Pharisees and Herodians hated each other. However, their
common disdain for Jesus united them. They “immediately”
conspired together.
2. 2. The Enemy We Fear Most We Will Seek to Destroy
a) The Pharisees and Herodians wanted to destroy Jesus. Their
hatred was coupled with fear, and this would lead to “unspeakable
evil: the murder of Messiah.

Conclusion
Jesus did a good thing in healing this man, and He did a good thing in saving our souls.
Through word and deed, He teaches us well: it is always right to do good!”