One of the outstanding characteristics of Christ Jesus was the ability to discern instantly whatever he needed to know in order better to present the truth to his hearers or to demonstrate in practical ways the value of his teachings. On many occasions there were present those who sought to ensnare him in some of his words or works, that they might have something with which to discredit him and his spiritual activity among the people. However, Jesus was always ready to handle the situation with perfect understanding and an assurance of spiritual ability to detect and defeat any phase of chicanery which his adversaries might attempt to use. Because of his mighty works of healing all manner of disease, sin, sorrow, and lack, there was no mistaking the fact that he was a prophet who was showing the way of salvation to all men. His spiritual understanding and ability to demonstrate the truth he taught stood out in marked contrast to the feeble faith, without works, of those who would gladly have got rid of him in any way possible; and his superior spirituality inflamed the jealousy, hatred, and revenge of his enemies.
It is related in the ninth chapter of Matthew that a man sick of the palsy was brought to Jesus for healing, and Jesus told the man to be cheerful, also declaring that his sins were forgiven; whereupon, as it is recorded, "certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth." But Jesus "knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?" Then, again addressing the palsied man, he healed him instantly and told him to return to his own house.
One Sabbath day Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The scribes and Pharisees watched him to see if he would heal the man with the withered hand, so that they might accuse him of breaking the Sabbath. The Master immediately discerned their thoughts and asked them: "Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?" He then said to the man, "Stretch forth thy hand." And we are told that "he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other."
