Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8 Click here for the reading
Observation: In this reading, Jesus begins teaching from outside criticism (pharisees). Within the Law (read the laws of Moses including the Levitical laws) faithful people were not supposed to work on the sabbath including harvesting grain. there was another portion of that law that allowed strangers, orphans, and widows to reap from someone else's vineyards and gardens after the owner has harvested. The pharisees objection to Jesus and to his disciples is one of respect for the law, especially the sabbath. Jesus correction of the pharisees is that the sabbath is in place for the benefit of the people not an extra burden.
Application: If reading this without knowing scripture and its background, one could argue that this is the first drive-thru restaurant. Jesus and his disciples were hungry. they did not consider taking grains and plucking those grains in their months as working, as the pharisees did. The law was given to the mutual benefit of God's people and God. It is this law that the pharisees accuse Jesus of wrongdoing and this law that Jesus accuses the Pharisees of a lack of compassion. Jesus says "I want you to show mercy not to offer sacrifices." Being Lord of the sabbath (a teaching for another time), Jesus could say this but his intention is timely. As we approach the Season of Lent (beginning Wednesday) what does our discipline of giving something up or sacrificing one thing or another say about showing mercy over showing off?
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for showing compassion to us at all times. As we look toward a season of reflection and contemplation, help us to show mercy in and through our disciplines of faith, prayer, fasting, worship, giving, and relationships.
Application: If reading this without knowing scripture and its background, one could argue that this is the first drive-thru restaurant. Jesus and his disciples were hungry. they did not consider taking grains and plucking those grains in their months as working, as the pharisees did. The law was given to the mutual benefit of God's people and God. It is this law that the pharisees accuse Jesus of wrongdoing and this law that Jesus accuses the Pharisees of a lack of compassion. Jesus says "I want you to show mercy not to offer sacrifices." Being Lord of the sabbath (a teaching for another time), Jesus could say this but his intention is timely. As we approach the Season of Lent (beginning Wednesday) what does our discipline of giving something up or sacrificing one thing or another say about showing mercy over showing off?
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for showing compassion to us at all times. As we look toward a season of reflection and contemplation, help us to show mercy in and through our disciplines of faith, prayer, fasting, worship, giving, and relationships.
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