September 20, 2026
Do Good or Evil? Jesus and the Sabbath
Mark 3:1-6; John 14:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Romans 1:18-32; John 8:12
The sermon centers on Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1–6). While religious leaders watched for a reason to accuse Jesus, he challenged them to consider whether the Sabbath was for doing good or evil, saving life or destroying it. Jesus healed the man, exposing the hardness of their hearts and their misplaced priorities.
The preacher calls listeners to notice people in need and respond with compassion, including through practical help and prayer. Christians are urged to follow the Holy Spirit, stay grounded in Scripture, and keep their attention on Jesus rather than their own plans or negative thinking. The sermon also warns that spiritual neglect and a hardened heart can make a person less responsive to God.
The message closes with a call to trust God’s will, receive his grace and forgiveness, and let the light of Christ show in daily life. Listeners are encouraged to address unfinished business with God and respond to the Holy Spirit while they have the opportunity.
Key takeaways
- Jesus teaches us to do good and show mercy, even when it disrupts expectations.
- Pay attention to people in need and respond with practical compassion.
- Follow the Holy Spirit’s leading and stay grounded in Scripture.
- A hardened heart can keep us from recognizing God’s work.
- Keep your focus on Jesus rather than your own plans.
- Replace negative thinking with gratitude for God’s grace.
- Let your words and actions reflect Christ’s light.
- When you fail, seek God’s forgiveness and begin again.
- Trust God’s will, even when life does not follow your plan.
- Respond faithfully to God today; tomorrow is not promised.
- Day 1Mark 3:1–5
Choose the Good
In the synagogue, Jesus saw a man with a withered hand. He also saw people watching, not with compassion, but hoping to accuse him. Jesus asked whether the Sabbath was for doing good or doing harm, then restored the man’s hand. His question reaches beyond that moment: when we notice someone in need, will we turn toward them with mercy? Doing good does not always require a grand gesture. It may mean offering practical help, listening patiently, or praying with someone who is hurting. We may feel busy or uncertain, but love invites us to pay attention and respond wisely. Jesus’ example does not call us to seek praise; it calls us to let compassion shape our choices. Ask God to show you one person you can serve today, and trust that even a small act of kindness can reflect his care.
- Reflect
- Who might God be inviting you to help or encourage today?
- Prayer
- Jesus, give me eyes to notice people in need and a willing heart to do good.
- Day 2John 14:26; Galatians 5:16
Listen and Walk
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach his followers and remind them of his words. The Spirit’s guidance is not separate from Scripture or from the character of Jesus. As we learn God’s Word, pray, and seek wise counsel, we become more attentive to the Spirit’s leading. Listening is more than waiting for a dramatic sign; it includes allowing God’s truth to correct our habits and shape our everyday decisions. We may not always feel certain, but we can take the next faithful step: speak truthfully, show patience, make peace, or serve someone quietly. The sermon reminds us that following Jesus is not limited to Sunday worship. It is a daily walk. We can ask the Spirit to help us live what we have heard, trusting that God is present with us in ordinary moments as well as difficult ones.
- Reflect
- What teaching of Jesus do you need the Holy Spirit’s help to put into practice today?
- Prayer
- Holy Spirit, teach me through God’s Word and help me follow Jesus in each step.
- Day 3Mark 3:5; Ephesians 4:31–32
A Heart Made Tender
Mark tells us that Jesus was grieved by the hardness of the onlookers’ hearts. Their concern for rules had crowded out compassion for a suffering neighbor. We, too, can become so set in our routines or opinions that we fail to see the person before us. A tender heart does not mean we ignore truth; it means we hold truth with the mercy and humility Jesus shows. When we notice ourselves growing resentful, indifferent, or quick to criticize, we can bring that honestly to God. He invites us to put away bitterness and practice kindness, forgiveness, and patience. This change often begins with small choices: listening before answering, refusing to pass along hurtful words, or praying for someone we find difficult. God’s grace can soften what has become hardened and help our lives reflect the compassion of Christ.
- Reflect
- Where might routine, resentment, or judgment be making it harder for you to show compassion?
- Prayer
- Father, soften my heart and help me treat others with the kindness and mercy of Jesus.
- Day 4Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8
Renew Your Thinking
Our thoughts influence the way we meet each day. When we dwell only on fear, resentment, or discouragement, our view can become narrow and our words can wound. Scripture does not ask us to pretend that hardship is easy. It invites us to bring our whole lives to God and let him renew our minds. We can remember what is true: God is faithful, Christ offers forgiveness, and the Spirit is present to help us. Gratitude is not denial of pain; it is a way to notice God’s gifts even in a difficult season. When negative thoughts begin to take over, pause and ask what is true, what is loving, and what response would honor Christ. We do not have to manage every circumstance ourselves. God can guide us toward hopeful, wise action, one thought and one choice at a time.
- Reflect
- What thought could you bring to God today and replace with a truth from Scripture?
- Prayer
- God, renew my mind with what is true and help me respond with hope and love.
- Day 5Matthew 5:14–16; Ephesians 2:8–10
Let Your Light Shine
Jesus calls his followers the light of the world, not so they can draw attention to themselves, but so others may see and give glory to God. Our light shines through ordinary faithfulness: welcoming a newcomer, sharing food, offering practical help, speaking with grace, or serving children and neighbors. These acts do not earn God’s love. We are saved by grace, and God prepares good works for us to walk in. That freedom lets us serve without needing applause or control over the outcome. Sometimes we will see a clear result; other times we may never know how our kindness mattered. We can still be faithful. The sermon’s call to make room for the Holy Spirit is a call to surrender our plans to God and ask how we can serve his purposes today. Let your words and actions point beyond you to the goodness of Christ.
- Reflect
- What simple act of service could help someone see God’s care through you today?
- Prayer
- Lord, guide my plans and let my words and actions shine with the love of Christ.
Open together
- 1.What is one small act of kindness someone has shown you that you still remember?
- 2.When have you had to change a plan and trust that things could still turn out well?
Observation
- 1.In Mark 3:1–6, what condition did the man have, and where was he when Jesus saw him?
- 2.Why were some people watching Jesus closely?
- 3.What question did Jesus ask about doing good or evil on the Sabbath?
- 4.How did Jesus respond to the hardness of the onlookers’ hearts?
- 5.What happened when the man stretched out his hand, and how did the Pharisees respond?
Interpretation
- 1.What does Jesus’ healing of the man show about the purpose of the Sabbath?
- 2.Why might Jesus have been grieved and angry at the hardness of the onlookers’ hearts?
- 3.What contrast does the passage make between Jesus’ compassion and the opponents’ desire to accuse him?
- 4.How does this passage help us understand the relationship between religious rules and doing good for people?
- 5.The sermon connects obedience to the Holy Spirit with practical service. How does that connection fit with Jesus’ actions in this passage?
Application
- 1.Who around you might need practical help, encouragement, or prayer this week? What could you do?
- 2.Are there habits or assumptions that make it harder for you to notice and respond to others’ needs?
- 3.When your plans change, what helps you seek God’s direction rather than insist on your own way?
- 4.How can you make space to listen to Scripture and the Holy Spirit as you decide how to act?
- 5.Is there a relationship or responsibility where you need to take a faithful next step, such as asking forgiveness, offering help, or seeking support?
Stop for Someone in Need
0:51He got soaked changing a stranger’s tire—and says the chance to help was worth it.
Let Go of Your Plan
0:39When life refuses to follow your plan, remember whose plan matters most.
When You Stop Praying
0:53If prayer and Bible study disappear, don’t be surprised when your heart grows cold.
Stop Your Stinking Thinking
0:46When negativity takes over, remember the most positive thing that ever happened to you.
Can People See Jesus in Your Face?
0:33A grumpy face can hide what’s going on—try giving people an honest way to pray for you.
Obedience Is a 24/7 Job
0:53Being led by the Holy Spirit isn’t just for Sunday morning—it’s an everyday commitment.
Christians, It’s Time to Get Excited
0:46The speaker says it’s past time for Christians to show real excitement about Jesus.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
0:53Thinking you’re too strong to be vulnerable is exactly when you should stay focused.
Did You Help When You Saw the Need?
0:48Seeing someone who needs help is only the beginning—the question is whether you act.
Do It God’s Way
0:59Following your own way may be easier at first, but the speaker urges trusting God through the hard parts.
Jesus calls us to notice people in need and respond with compassion. Look for one practical way to help someone this week. Read Mark 3:1-6 and consider how you can live out this message.
#DoGoodOrEvil #VictoriaBaptistChurch #ServeOthers
Post it on Facebook
Then attach the saved picture and paste the caption into a new post.
The Holy Spirit guides us as we seek to follow God. Make time to study Scripture and listen for His direction in your daily choices. Join us as we continue learning together.
#DoGoodOrEvil #VictoriaBaptistChurch #HolySpirit
Post it on Facebook
Then attach the saved picture and paste the caption into a new post.
Faith in Jesus is worth sharing with joy. Let your gratitude show in the way you welcome and encourage others. Come worship with us and celebrate Jesus together.
#DoGoodOrEvil #VictoriaBaptistChurch #FaithInJesus
Post it on Facebook
Then attach the saved picture and paste the caption into a new post.
Keeping our hearts focused on Jesus can shape the way we meet each day. When life gets distracting, pause and turn your attention back to Him. Join us in worship and encouragement this week.
#DoGoodOrEvil #VictoriaBaptistChurch #KeepYourFocus
Post it on Facebook
Then attach the saved picture and paste the caption into a new post.
The preacher points to a personal relationship with Jesus as central to Christian faith. If you have questions about following Him, reach out to someone you trust in our church. We would be glad to talk and pray with you.
#DoGoodOrEvil #VictoriaBaptistChurch #JesusSaves
Post it on Facebook
Then attach the saved picture and paste the caption into a new post.
Following God means making room for the Holy Spirit to lead us. Ask for help to set aside your own plans and respond faithfully. Join us as we seek to follow Him together.
#DoGoodOrEvil #VictoriaBaptistChurch #FollowTheSpirit
Post it on Facebook
Then attach the saved picture and paste the caption into a new post.