5. Healing on the Sabbath (3:1-6)

Having asserted his authority over the Sabbath legislation as interpreted by his contemporaries, Jesus goes on to push for a decision regarding himself. Are his work and words a manifestation of the kingdom and thus appropriate for the Sabbath, or not? As these five conflict stories have shown (2:1-3:6), one cannot remain neutral toward Jesus, and the onlookers respond with unbelief. The religious and political interests join forces against Jesus; the remainder of his ministry must be carried out under the dark cloud of his impending death.