Word for the da by Christian Education Forum

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Empathy Towards Differently Abled

Bible Reading: Mark 3:1-5

Key verse: V3” Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand; stand up in front of everyone”.

DEVOTION

This is one of the seven miracles Jesus Christ performed on the Sabbath. As Jesus walked into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, He noticed a man with a withered hand and a group of Pharisees. To have a withered hand meant his hand was stiff, deformed, and paralyzed. How horrible life would be for a person whose hand was withered and useless. 
Jesus’ Compassion For Those Who Are Physically Challenged (Vs 4b-5a)
The episode shows Jesus’ heart and intention to embrace the weak. We know that Jesus’s earthly ministry was encircled by dispute and controversy. Every word and every work was under the microscope of their judgmental attitude. In this scenario, Jesus felt compassion for the man with the withered hand and called him forward. Then Jesus restored his withered hand. He brought it to health, back to what it was supposed to be in the first place. By this move, Jesus Christ demonstrated a profound concern for the poor and marginalized. He never turned anyone away who sincerely brought their need to Him.
Empathy vs. Apathy  
Jesus knew his action contradicted Jewish law's interpretation of the Sabbath. At this juncture, He was angered and grieved at the hardness of the heart exposed by the Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus could have healed privately to avoid this conflict, but He faced this issue head-on by asking, what was the Sabbath for, to make men miserable or to be a blessing? It was a righteous anger. They were silent at this point. By this response, Jesus challenges societal norms, advocates for the needy, and calls His followers to live with marked compassion, generosity, and a commitment to justice. 
The Disabilities Act Protects People with Disabilities from Discrimination. 
Disability happens as a result of genetics, illness, or accident. It is not the result of his sin or his parents' (John 9:3). Neither is ‘Karma’ taught in the Hindu philosophy.  They are here for a reason. Let us imitate the love of Jesus, who has treated the disabled with empathetic acceptance and love. We are called to reflect these values in our lives, ensuring that the principles of the kingdom of God are lived out in practical and transformative ways. 
 

PRAYER

                        Dear Lord, we want to be like Jesus in our hearts. Amen!

.                                                      THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into the places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish” (Henri Nouwen). 
 

 REV. JOSEPH CHACKO, New Jersey

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