Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” 

But they remained silent. 

He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Simple question. 

Not even about which day of the week it was, but whether a man should do good or evil, to save or kill. 

The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. 

They were still so stuck in their traditions and laws, they wouldn’t dare answer for fear in doing so they might break one. 

Deeply angered and distressed at their stubborn hearts offering no answer, Jesus resumed doing what he does best: he answered. 

When we truly understand the transformative nature of Jesus, answers come easy. 

What we might construe as a trick question is the teaching moment. And the best answer is usually the simplest. 

Jesus speaks in parables and examples to train us toward a new way of thinking. 

But they remained silent. 

“Do not be afraid” appears in your Bible over 100 times. 

Take a risk with Jesus and give an answer. That’s how we learn. 

Boldness always pleases the teacher.