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Jesus' Authority over the Sabbath

Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, demonstrating his authority over the law.

Jesus' Authority over the Sabbath

Matthew 12:1-13


1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
2. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
3. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
4. How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
5. Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
6. But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
7. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
8. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
9. And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
10. And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
11. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
12. How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
13. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.


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A withered hand, surrounded by symbolic elements such as wheat (representing life) and stones (representing the law), representing the conflict between law and compassion. Avoid text. Symbolic elements visually convey the conflict between the legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath and the message of compassion.A withered hand, surrounded by symbolic elements such as wheat (representing life) and stones (representing the law), representing the conflict between law and compassion. Avoid text. Symbolic elements visually convey the conflict between the legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath and the message of compassion. overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. A detailed depiction of a synagogue in Galilee, emphasizing the architectural details and the atmosphere of sabbath worship. The scene should show a place where the Sabbath was observed, not an event taking place on the Sabbath. This shows a typical place where the Sabbath was observed. It provides context without depicting the actual event of the healing.
A close-up shot of a scroll containing the Sabbath laws, partially obscured by a withered hand reaching out towards it. The hand should be realistically rendered showing details. This depicts the conflict between the law and compassion, representing the challenge to traditional views.Macro closeup of a withered hand being healed, surrounded by onlookers' concerned faces, bathed in warm sunlight. Focus on the detail of the healing process. Include a detail of a stone building. This macro closeup focuses on the miracle of healing, highlighting the detail and emphasizing the physical transformation.Macro closeup of a single withered hand, slowly regaining its color and strength, symbolic of God's power over physical limitations. Include a few grains of dust to show the scene is earthly. Detail the texture of the skin. This macro shot isolates the hand, emphasizing the symbolic power of healing and restoration.
A bright morning scene in Galilee: a man with a withered hand stands in a field of wheat, bathed in golden sunlight, as Jesus approaches him. Focus on light, color, and wheat field. This image emphasizes the setting, using the bright morning light to symbolize hope and new beginnings.A vibrant sunrise paints the sky orange and yellow above a lush olive grove in Galilee, where Jesus heals a man with a withered hand. Olive branches, the setting sun. This image uses the natural beauty of the olive grove and the setting sun to create a serene atmosphere.Silhouettes of a crowd observing a healing at sunset, with the withered hand silhouetted against the warm colors of a setting sun. Show details in silhouette. Silhouetting the crowd creates a dramatic and mysterious feel, focusing on the impact of the healing.
An evening scene in a Galilean village: a man with a withered hand, illuminated by the soft glow of a few oil lamps, sits near a humble stone house. Night scene with lamps. The soft lighting and humble setting enhance the sense of community and spiritual intimacy.A group of people, their faces etched with surprise and awe, watch Jesus heal a man with a withered hand at dawn. Morning scene with people with traditional attire. This scene highlights the community aspect of the healing, showing various reactions to the miracle.A group of Pharisees, their expressions stern and disapproving, observe Jesus healing a man with a withered hand under the light of the moon. Night scene with people. This image contrasts the reactions of the Pharisees with Jesus' compassion and power.
Jesus, his gaze compassionate, touches a withered hand. The scene is simple, focusing on the gesture of healing and the contrasting textures of the hand and Jesus' garment. Avoid text. This simple image focuses on the core theme of healing and compassion without distracting elements. overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
overlayed with the bible verse 1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.

NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : Jesus' Authority over the Sabbath

  • Macro closeup of a withered hand being healed, surrounded by onlookers' concerned faces, bathed in warm sunlight. Focus on the detail of the healing process. Include a detail of a stone building.
  • Macro closeup of a single withered hand, slowly regaining its color and strength, symbolic of God's power over physical limitations. Include a few grains of dust to show the scene is earthly. Detail the texture of the skin.
  • A bright morning scene in Galilee: a man with a withered hand stands in a field of wheat, bathed in golden sunlight, as Jesus approaches him. Focus on light, color, and wheat field.
  • A vibrant sunrise paints the sky orange and yellow above a lush olive grove in Galilee, where Jesus heals a man with a withered hand. Olive branches, the setting sun.
  • Silhouettes of a crowd observing a healing at sunset, with the withered hand silhouetted against the warm colors of a setting sun. Show details in silhouette.
  • An evening scene in a Galilean village: a man with a withered hand, illuminated by the soft glow of a few oil lamps, sits near a humble stone house. Night scene with lamps.
  • A group of people, their faces etched with surprise and awe, watch Jesus heal a man with a withered hand at dawn. Morning scene with people with traditional attire.
  • A group of Pharisees, their expressions stern and disapproving, observe Jesus healing a man with a withered hand under the light of the moon. Night scene with people.
  • Jesus, his gaze compassionate, touches a withered hand. The scene is simple, focusing on the gesture of healing and the contrasting textures of the hand and Jesus' garment. Avoid text.
  • A withered hand, surrounded by symbolic elements such as wheat (representing life) and stones (representing the law), representing the conflict between law and compassion. Avoid text.
  • A detailed depiction of a synagogue in Galilee, emphasizing the architectural details and the atmosphere of sabbath worship. The scene should show a place where the Sabbath was observed, not an event taking place on the Sabbath.
  • A close-up shot of a scroll containing the Sabbath laws, partially obscured by a withered hand reaching out towards it. The hand should be realistically rendered showing details.

General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Sabbath Controversy; Healing the Man’s Hand; Demonic Possession; Jesus and Beelzebul; The Sign of Jonah; God's Chosen Servant

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Other Galleries for this theme / Bible book

Feeding the 5000 and Walking on Water
Genealogy of Jesus: Tracing the Lineage
Jesus' Authority over the Sabbath
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus' Temptation and the Start of His Ministry
John's Doubts and Jesus' Call to Rest
John the Baptist Baptizes Jesus: A Witness to the Messiah
Parables of the Kingdom: The Mustard Seed
Peter's Confession and Jesus' Prediction of His Death
Prophecies of Matthew: End Times
Sermon on the Mount - The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Meek
Teachings on Forgiveness and Humility
Teachings on Marriage, Wealth, and Servanthood: A Parable of Matthew
Teachings on Purity and Faith: Matthew's Gospel
The Last Supper, Trial, and Crucifixion of Jesus
Visit of the Magi and Flight to Egypt
Images used for the Bible Podcasts for the Gospel of Matthew

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Related Pages: thematic Bible Images (French Version)