A miracle of Jesus · Part 7 of 20 · 3 min
A Hand That Could Move Again
It was the Sabbath, and Jesus entered a synagogue, where people gathered to listen and worship God.
A man there had a hand that was not well. He could not use it normally.
Some people watched Jesus, looking for a reason to accuse him. They wanted to see if he would heal the man on the Sabbath.
Jesus did not forget the man because of their argument. He invited him to stand in front of everyone.
The man came closer and stood before Jesus.
Jesus asked whether it was right on the Sabbath to do good or harm, to save life or let someone suffer.
He also reminded them that people help a sheep if it falls into a pit. (What man among you, who has one sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out?) Caring for a person mattered even more!
Then he asked the man to stretch out his hand.
The man stretched out his hand, and it became well.
Now he could move it like the other. Jesus showed that doing good belongs on the day of rest too.
Not everyone rejoiced. Some kept planning to oppose him. But help had come to the man.
This story reminds us that our customs and rules should help us love and do good.
We can rest, enjoy time with our families, and help someone who needs us.
If someone falls while we play, we can pause the game and find help. The person matters more than finishing an activity.
Jesus did not want the man to be invisible. His compassion teaches us to notice, come closer, and care.
Jesus cares and helps, and we can share his kindness.
Retelling of Matthew 12:9–13; Mark 3:1–6.
Supporting reading: The Desire of Ages, chapter 29. Open the book
Talk about it together
- Compassion
- Care
- Respect
- What did Jesus ask the man to do with his hand?
- How might someone feel when others argue and overlook them?
- What can you do if someone needs help during your game?
Activity · 2–5 minutes
Pausing to Care
Take turns naming animals. At some point, a grown-up says, “Let’s imagine a child has fallen and needs help.” Pause the game and discuss, “How can we help?” Practice telling a grown-up and saying to the child, “I’m here with you.” Then return to the game and remember that helping someone matters more than finishing an activity.
Try it today: I can pause an activity to find help when someone needs it.
More stories with these values
Spot the differences
Open the interactive activity or prepare a printable sheet for home, classroom, or family.
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