On another sabbath he went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up and stand before us." And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" Looking around at them all, he then said to him, "Stretch out your hand." He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus. (Lk 6:6-11)
Jesus and Sabbath seem to be always on trouble. Gospels present Jesus in trouble with on Sabbath. One of the practices of piety which Jews followed strictly was that of Sabbath. This practice was almost identified with the practice of the religion. Jesus’ teaching on the Sabbath was not in question. Probably they appreciated his teachings in the synagogue. His practice on the Sabbath did raise some problem.
Jesus challenges the Pharisees and scribes with regard to doing good and saving life. These two activities go beyond the rule or they are not within the limits of the law. “Doing good and saving life” should not come under dispute according to Jesus. These two are the activities of God. God and God’s actions do not come under the control of laws which are man made.
Jesus looked around at them. We have a similar situation at the temple of Jerusalem before cleansing the temple. He looked around at the temple. Since the temple was not reflecting anything of God he looked around (angrily). Similarly here he looked around at them because they were not reflecting anything of God (they were not exhibiting the compassion of God or love of God or respect for life etc).
