Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

Jesus is embroiled in a confrontation with the Pharisees as to whether or not it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath Day. A man with a withered hand is brought forth and Jesus heals him, arguing that it is not only lawful, but good to save a life and to help someone who is suffering. Even the Pharisees would offer such mercy to one of their animals who fell into a pit. Should they not offer even more mercy to a person?