Biblical References:
The account of the man with a withered hand is found in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, and Luke 6:6-11. These passages describe one of the miraculous healings performed by Jesus Christ, highlighting His authority over physical ailments and His challenge to the prevailing interpretations of the Sabbath law.

Context and Setting:
The event takes place in a synagogue, a central place of worship and teaching for the Jewish community. The timing is significant as it occurs on the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship according to Jewish law. The Pharisees, a religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses, are present and seeking to accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath.

The Miracle:
In Matthew 12:9-10 , it is written: "Moving on from there, Jesus entered their synagogue, and a man with a withered hand was there. In order to accuse Him, they asked Jesus, 'Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?'" The Pharisees' question is a test, aiming to trap Jesus into violating the Sabbath law. Jesus responds by highlighting the value of doing good and preserving life, even on the Sabbath.

Mark 3:3-5 provides further detail: "Then Jesus said to the man with the withered hand, 'Stand up among us.' And He asked them, 'Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?' But they were silent. Jesus looked around at them with anger and sorrow at their hardness of heart. Then He said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' So he stretched it out, and his hand was restored."

Theological Significance:
This miracle underscores Jesus' authority over the Sabbath, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for man's benefit, not as a burden. Jesus challenges the legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath by demonstrating that acts of mercy and goodness align with God's intentions for the day. His question, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath?" (Luke 6:9), reveals the heart of the law as love and compassion.

Reaction of the Pharisees:
The Pharisees' response to the healing is one of hostility and plotting. Mark 3:6 states, "Then the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus." Their reaction highlights the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, who perceive His actions and teachings as a threat to their authority and interpretation of the law.

Symbolism and Application:
The healing of the man with the withered hand symbolizes restoration and the breaking of spiritual and physical bondage. It serves as a reminder of Jesus' mission to bring wholeness and redemption. For believers, this account encourages a focus on the spirit of the law rather than mere ritualistic observance, urging a life characterized by compassion, mercy, and the pursuit of good.

Historical and Cultural Insights:
In the first-century Jewish context, a withered hand would have been a significant disability, affecting the man's ability to work and participate fully in society. The public nature of the healing in the synagogue underscores Jesus' willingness to confront societal norms and challenge the status quo. The synagogue setting also highlights the communal aspect of Jesus' ministry, as His miracles often served as public demonstrations of God's power and love.

Conclusion:
The account of the man with a withered hand is a powerful testament to Jesus' authority, compassion, and the transformative power of His ministry. It invites believers to reflect on the true meaning of the Sabbath and the call to live out God's love in tangible ways.