Matthew 12: 1 At about that time Jesus was walking through some grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. 2But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.”
3 Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. 5 And haven’t you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath? 6 I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! 7 But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’[a] 8 For the Son of Man[b] is Lord, even over the Sabbath!
Jesus illustrated his gracious understanding of our humanity here. In our lives there are needs and situations that demand an answer and a response, some are trivial while others are moments of desperation. As Jesus demonstrated in this passage, not all scenarios can be answered by the typical blueprint. Jesus referred to a time when David broke the law to feed him and his men. Then he goes on to explain that they would not be so quick to condemn the disciples for breaking the law if they had only a little mercy or understanding. Jesus declared that showing love and mercy is far better than unnecessary sacrifice to appease the critics.
Cindy King
