This healing story is the first pronouncement story in Cycle B. The pronouncement formula presents a situation, builds to a climax, offers a solution and gives a statement of the issue. In the early church, this format made for easier recall of the story for oral retelling. While healing on the sabbath is mentioned in this miracle, the main issue is authority. In another Cycle B miracle for Epiphany 7, healing the paralytic (Miracle 4), Jesus observes rumblings and questions among the scribes (Mark 2:6) and challenges them. The fifth miracle in this series (Proper 4), healing the man with the withered hand, also touches on Jesus' authority. However, its main focus is healing on the sabbath.

First Point Of Action
The first two verses state the synopsis of the story. "They" go to the synago…