Episode Two: The Man with the Shrivelled Hand

In our second podcast episode, Common Grace's National Director Gershon Nimbalker joins Safina Stewart, Common Grace's Storyteller and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lead, to discuss Jesus' encounter with the man with the shrivelled hand in Mark 3.

Together, they reflect on what it means for Jesus to centre someone who had been overlooked, challenge rigid religious systems, and choose life-giving love over rule-keeping. They wrestle with how compassion can be costly, how broken laws still harm people today, and why following Jesus means not only personal transformation but courage to confront unjust structures. It’s a conversation about healing, stubborn hearts, hope, and the Church’s call to embody mercy, justice, and restoration in our world.

Listen to this podcast episode below

You can also download the episode via this Google Drive link.

A transcript of this conversation can be downloaded here.

Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shrivelled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shrivelled 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. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Mark 3:1-6

Reflect:

What part of Gershon and Safina's conversation about the passage most struck you, and why?

In what ways did Jesus' actions in the passage challenge the social and religious boundaries of the time?

Have you ever felt "the powers push back" when you have shown some opposition toward an accepted rule or cultural norm, perhaps at your job or in your faith community?

Safina mentioned working to make sure that legislation does not harm others. What is an area where you feel the Church could be leading the way in this?

Pray:

Great God, thank you for this story and what it shows us about your heart for restoration and renewal. Help us to live out the truth and love of your law, and to place the wellbeing of others above the cultural boundaries around us. When we are confused about the best course of action to take, give us discernment and surround us with a close community that helps us find the way to live justly in your world. Amen. 

Go Deeper:

In this episode, Gershon and Safina speak about the urgent need to #RaiseTheAge. Across Australia, children as young as 10 can be imprisoned, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children disproportionately impacted. Join us in calling on our Government to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to at least 14, and to invest in community-led, culturally safe and trauma-responsive justice solutions led by First Nations communities. Find out more about this issue here.

You can also learn more about how Common Grace pursues justice alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through advocacy, storytelling, and resources. Explore our ongoing work - and find out how you and your church can be part of it - by reading more about our campaigns here.

	Gershon Nimbalker is the National Director of Common Grace. With over 15 years of experience in advocacy, policy, and research, he has led numerous grassroots movements campaigning on social justice issues. Gershon lives on Awabakal Country in Newcastle, NSW, with his young family.
	Safina Stewart, a proud Wuthathi and Mabuiag Island woman, is Common Grace’s Storyteller and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lead. Having grown up across New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, she brings a deep cross-cultural perspective to her work. Now based in Wonthaggi on Bunurong Country, Safina is passionate about culture, education, the arts, justice, and faith.