◄ Luke 6:8 ►
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and stand among us." So he got up and stood there.
Study Bible
But Jesus knew their thoughts

Jesus saw the hostile reasoning of the scribes and Pharisees as they watched for grounds to accuse Him. His knowledge of the human heart reveals divine authority, for the Lord alone searches minds and hearts (Jeremiah 17:10; John 2:24–25). Their concealed opposition could not hinder His purpose or escape His judgment.

Mat 9:4 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said,…
Mat 12:25 Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself…
Mrk 2:8 At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking…

and said to the man with the withered hand,

The man’s condition had likely limited his work and exposed him to social hardship. Jesus turned attention toward one who was vulnerable rather than allowing him to remain unnoticed in the synagogue. His concern for the afflicted fulfilled the promised work of the Messiah, who would bring restoration and healing (Isaiah 35:5–6).

Mat 12:10-12 and a man with a withered hand was there.…
Mrk 3:1-2 Once again Jesus entered the synagogue,…
Jhn 5:6-7 When Jesus saw him lying there and realized…

“Get up and stand among us.”

Jesus placed the man openly before the gathered assembly. The command brought the suffering man from the margins into the center, while also confronting those who valued their legal accusations above mercy. The public setting would make clear that the coming healing was neither hidden nor accidental, but a deliberate testimony to Christ’s authority over the Sabbath.

Mrk 3:3 Then Jesus said to the man with the withered hand,…
Jhn 5:8 Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.”
Act 3:6 Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you:…

So he got up and stood there.

The man responded to Jesus with obedience before receiving healing. His willingness to stand before those present demonstrated trust in Christ’s command. Jesus would soon restore his hand completely, showing that the Sabbath was given for mercy and life, not as a barrier to doing good.

Act 14:10 In a loud voice Paul called out, “Stand up on your feet!”…
Act 3:8 He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went…
Act 9:34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you!”…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, demonstrating His divine knowledge and authority. He is aware of the thoughts of those around Him and takes action to teach and heal.

2. The Man with the Withered Hand
A man suffering from a physical ailment, representing those in need of healing and restoration. His condition is used by Jesus to reveal deeper spiritual truths.

3. The Pharisees and Scribes
Religious leaders present in the synagogue, often depicted as opposing Jesus. They are internally critical of Jesus' actions, which He perceives.

4. The Synagogue
The setting for this event, a place of worship and teaching for the Jewish community. It serves as a backdrop for Jesus' teaching and miraculous work.

5. The Crowd
The people present in the synagogue, witnessing the interaction between Jesus, the man, and the religious leaders. They are observers of Jesus' authority and compassion.
Teaching Points
Divine Insight
Jesus' ability to know the thoughts of the Pharisees demonstrates His divine nature. As believers, we can trust that Jesus understands our innermost thoughts and needs.

Courage to Stand
The man with the withered hand is called to stand in front of everyone, illustrating the courage required to respond to Jesus' call. We are encouraged to stand boldly in faith, even when it is uncomfortable.

Compassion Over Legalism
Jesus prioritizes compassion and healing over strict adherence to religious rules. This teaches us to value mercy and love in our interactions with others.

Public Witness
The healing takes place in front of a crowd, serving as a public testimony to Jesus' power and authority. Our lives should similarly reflect Christ's work in us to those around us.

Faith in Action
The man's obedience to Jesus' command to stand is an act of faith. We are reminded to act on our faith, trusting in Jesus' power to transform our circumstances.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' knowledge of the Pharisees' thoughts in Luke 6:8 demonstrate His divine nature, and how can this assurance of His understanding impact your personal prayer life?

2. In what ways does the healing of the man with the withered hand challenge the legalistic mindset of the Pharisees, and how can this inform our approach to religious practices today?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt called to "stand" in faith publicly. How does the man's response in this passage encourage you to act boldly in your faith journey?

4. How can we balance the importance of religious observance with the call to show compassion and mercy, as demonstrated by Jesus in this passage?

5. Consider the role of the crowd in this account. How can your personal testimony of Jesus' work in your life serve as a witness to others in your community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 12:9-14 and Mark 3:1-6
These parallel accounts provide additional context and details about the healing of the man with the withered hand, emphasizing Jesus' authority over the Sabbath and His compassion.

Hebrews 4:12-13
This passage speaks to the Word of God being living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart, similar to how Jesus perceives the thoughts of the Pharisees.

1 Samuel 16:7
This verse highlights God's ability to see beyond outward appearances and into the heart, paralleling Jesus' insight into the thoughts of those around Him.
Sermons
The Lord of the Sabbath, and His WorkR.M. Edgar Luke 6:1-19
Christ Heals Without Causing SufferingDr. Talmage.Luke 6:6-11
Christ Knew Their ThoughtsLuke 6:6-11
Language of the HandLuke 6:6-11
Not to Save Life is to DestroyC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 6:6-11
Promptitude of FaithG. H. Parkhurst, D. D.Luke 6:6-11
Saving a LimbG. T. Coster.Luke 6:6-11
Sin Disabling, Christ RestoringW. Clarkson Luke 6:6-11
The Ability of Christ to Heal the Withered Energies of the Human SoulJ. S. Exell, M. A.Luke 6:6-11
The Construction of the HandHours of Exercise in the Alps.Luke 6:6-11
The Power of Faith in the Saviour's WordTheodore Monod.Luke 6:6-11
The Withered HandDean Goulburn.Luke 6:6-11
People
Alphaeus, Andrew, Bartholomew, David, James, Jesus, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thomas, Zelotes
Places
Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Sidon, Tyre
Topics
Arm, Dead, Forth, Forward, Front, Got, Middle, Midst, Reasonings, Rise, Risen, Rose, Shriveled, Stand, Stood, Thinking, Thoughts, Withered
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 6:8

     2054   Christ, mind of

Luke 6:1-11

     5381   law, letter and spirit

Luke 6:5-11

     7430   Sabbath, in NT

Luke 6:6-11

     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ
     8442   good works

Luke 6:7-8

     2045   Christ, knowledge of

Luke 6:7-11

     7464   teachers of the law

Library
Laws of the Kingdom
'And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God, 21. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Three Condensed Parables
'And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceiveth not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42. Either, how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. 43. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Our Deserts
LUKE vi. 36-38. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again. One often hears complaints against this world, and against mankind; one hears it said …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity
(From the Gospel for the day) This sermon telleth us of four measures that shall be rendered unto man, and of two grades of a godly life, and how we ought to love our neighbour. Luke vi. 36-42. WE read in the Gospel for this day that our Lord Jesus Christ said: "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven; give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, …
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

The Blessing of Mercy,
(Fourth Sunday after Trinity.) S. LUKE vi. 36. "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." "Mercy" is the one great cry of human nature. We dare not ask for justice, we can only plead for mercy. David, after his great sins, could utter nothing but the mournful cry, the model for all penitent sinners, "Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great goodness." The publican standing afar off, and looking at his faults, and not at his virtues, offers the pattern prayer for all men, "Lord, …
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

Rash Decisions.
4th Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke vi. 37. "Judge not--condemn not--forgive." INTRODUCTION.--Our Lord here condemns all rash judgments. We know not the motives of other men's actions, and therefore have no right to pass a sweeping condemnation upon them. From our ignorance, we ought to be cautious and merciful in our judgments, and from our own weakness, we should be forgiving to those who have trespassed against us. Rash judgments arise from pride. It is because we are puffed up with a high opinion …
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Reward of Obedience.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.' 'Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.'--Matthew, v. 7, 10 11, 12. Mercy cannot get in where mercy goes not out. The outgoing …
George MacDonald—Hope of the Gospel

"Be Doers of the Word. "
I want to remind you again that the mission of this little volume is to teach you how to live. The life beyond depends on the life here. Let me emphasize what I have repeatedly said before: to live as we should, we must live by every word of God. To live by every word of God is not only to hear it but also to do it. We have learned that, in order to enter the city of God and eat of the tree of life, we must do his commandments, and also that it is not "every one that sayeth, Lord, Lord, that shall …
C. E. Orr—How to Live a Holy Life

The Golden Rule of Life.
"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them like wise." Luke 6:31. This is a good rule for every-day living. It is known throughout the Christian world as "The Golden Rule." It has great depths. It contains more no doubt than any of us comprehend. But let us study it for a moment. We might divide it into two rules: First, Do good to all; second, Do harm to none. We would that all men should do us good, and we would that none should do us harm. But if we would see the greater depths …
C. E. Orr—How to Live a Holy Life

That all Hope and Trust is to be Fixed in God Alone
O Lord, what is my trust which I have in this life, or what is my greatest comfort of all the things which are seen under Heaven? Is it not Thou, O Lord my God, whose mercies are without number? Where hath it been well with me without Thee? Or when could it be evil whilst Thou wert near? I had rather be poor for Thy sake, than rich without Thee. I choose rather to be a pilgrim upon the earth with Thee than without Thee to possess heaven. Where Thou art, there is heaven; and where Thou are not, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Judged by Fruit
A good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.' (Luke vi. 43, 44.) Jesus Christ, in the few sentences quoted, indicates the true secret or principle of holy living. They show that holy living works from the heart of things--beginning within--to the outside. Many judge their religion the other way about. They take up religious …
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Christian Assisted in Examining into his Growth in Grace.
1. The examination important.--2. False marks of growth to be avoided.--3. True marks proposed; such as--increasing love to God.--4. Benevolence to men.--5. Candor of disposition.--6. Meekness under injuries.--7. Serenity amidst the uncertainties of life.--8, 9. Humility,--especially as expressed in evangelical exercises of mind toward Christ end the Holy Spirit.--10. Zeal for the divine honor.--11. Habitual and cheerful willingness to exchange worlds when ever God shall appoint.--12. Conclusion. …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which Christian Love...
We shall not be curious in the ranking of the duties in which Christian love should exercise itself. All the commandments of the second table are but branches of it: they might be reduced all to the works of righteousness and of mercy. But truly these are interwoven through other. Though mercy uses to be restricted to the showing of compassion upon men in misery, yet there is a righteousness in that mercy, and there is mercy in the most part of the acts of righteousness, as in not judging rashly, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Whether Poverty of Spirit is the Beatitude which Corresponds to the Gift of Fear
Whether Poverty of Spirit is the Beatitude which Corresponds to the Gift of Fear We proceed to the twelfth article thus: 1. It seems that poverty of spirit is not the beatitude which corresponds to the gift of fear. For it was explained in Art. 7 that fear is the beginning of the spiritual life, whereas poverty of spirit pertains to the perfection of the spiritual life, according to Matt. 19:21: "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor." Hence poverty of spirit does …
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether the Beatitudes Differ from the virtues and Gifts?
Objection 1: It would seem that the beatitudes do not differ from the virtues and gifts. For Augustine (De Serm. Dom. in Monte i, 4) assigns the beatitudes recited by Matthew (v 3, seqq.) to the gifts of the Holy Ghost; and Ambrose in his commentary on Luke 6:20, seqq., ascribes the beatitudes mentioned there, to the four cardinal virtues. Therefore the beatitudes do not differ from the virtues and gifts. Objection 2: Further, there are but two rules of the human will: the reason and the eternal …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter .
To Anastasius, Presbyter [1714] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. That a good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things (Matth. xii. 35; Luke vi. 45), this thy Charity has shewn, both in thy habitual life and lately also in thy epistle; wherein I find two persons at issue with regard to virtues; that is to say, thyself contending for charity, and another for fear and humility. And, though occupied with many things, though ignorant of the Greek language, I have nevertheless sat …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Of Christian Liberty.
1. Connection of this chapter with the previous one on Justification. A true knowledge of Christian liberty useful and necessary. 1. It purifies the conscience. 2. It checks licentiousness. 3. It maintains the merits of Christ, the truth of the Gospel, and the peace of the soul. 2. This liberty consists of three parts. First, Believers renouncing the righteousness of the law, look only to Christ. Objection. Answer, distinguishing between Legal and Evangelical righteousness. 3. This first part clearly …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

How the Joyful and the Sad are to be Admonished.
Admonition4. Differently to be admonished are the joyful and the sad. That is, before the joyful are to be set the sad things that follow upon punishment; but before the sad the promised glad things of the kingdom. Let the joyful learn by the asperity of threatenings what to be afraid of: let the sad bear what joys of reward they may look forward to. For to the former it is said, Woe unto you that laugh now! For ye shall weep (Luke vi. 25); but the latter hear from the teaching of the same Master, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Present Life as Related to the Future.
LUKE xvi. 25.--"And Abraham said, Son remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented." The parable of Dives and Lazarus is one of the most solemn passages in the whole Revelation of God. In it, our Lord gives very definite statements concerning the condition of those who have departed this life. It makes no practical difference, whether we assume that this was a real occurrence, or only an imaginary …
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

In the Name of Christ
"Whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do. If ye shall ask anything in My Name, I will do it. I have appointed you, that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My Name, He may give it you. Verily, verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My Name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. At that day ye shall ask in My Name."--JOHN xiv. 13, 14, xv. 16, xvi. 23, 24, 26. In my name--repeated …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

"For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. For Ye have not Received the Spirit of Bondage
Rom. viii. s 14, 15.--"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear,", &c. Children do commonly resemble their parents, not only in the outward proportion and feature of their countenances, but also in the disposition and temper of their spirits, and generally they are inclined to imitate the customs and carriage of their parents, so that they sometimes may be accounted the very living images of such persons; …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

In the Bitter Cold of Winter the Trees Stand Bare of Leaves...
1. In the bitter cold of winter the trees stand bare of leaves, and it seems as if their life, too, had departed for ever, yet in the spring time they put forth new leaves and beautiful flowers, and the fruit begins to show itself. So was it with Me in My crucifixion and resurrection, and so it is with my faithful cross-bearers (2 Cor. iv.8-11; vi.4-10). Though they seem to be crushed and dead beneath their cross they still put forth the beautiful flowers and glorious fruits of eternal life which …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

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