Mercy and Obedience Matthew 12:1-8

Introduction Erroneous ideas Plain teaching of Scriptures Mutually exclusive Downplay obedience Plain teaching of Scriptures Jesus’ obedience (Hebrews 5:8, 9) Mercy necessary (Ephesians 2:4) Saved by mercy (Titus 3:5)

False Ideas Calvinism Solely by grace, not obedience Man’s passiveness Loss of reward (1 Corinthians 3:14, 15) Obedience almost eliminated

False Ideas Perfectionism Solely by perfect obedience, no mercy Reckoned as wages (Romans 4:4) Curse for disobeying (Galatians 3:10)

False Ideas Confusion of moral relativism Law breaking allowed Covered by mercy Perversion of our text

Study of The Text Circumstances Pharisees’ attempt to trap Jesus Not sincere in their objection Explains Jesus’ handling of it (v. 7) Delight in loyalty (Hosea 6:6)

Study of The Text Variations in the accounts Others (Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5) Jesus accountable also (Luke 6:2) David’s eating shewbread (Mark 2:26) Priest’s right to eat the shewbread, statement about Jesus, and quote from Hosea (Matthew 12:5-7)

Study of The Text Two basic views of Jesus’ defense Can sin under certain circumstances Exposing the Pharisees’ hypocrisy

Mercy Supersede Obedience? Are there such situations? Agreed with them but said, “So did David” (1 Samuel 21:1-6) Not bothered by David’s guilt Guilt set aside due to “hunger” Priest’s work established exceptions Popular idea today

Mercy Supersede Obedience? False position Never condoned sin (Matthew 5:17) Could avoid suffering (1 Peter 2:21-23) Nehemiah’s example (Nehemiah 6:11) Priest’s exception specified (Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 28:9, 10) David’s exception? _______________

Jesus’ Defense Exposing hypocrisy Willing to concede David’s guilt Didn’t admit David’s guilt

Jesus’ Defense Innocence of the disciples Violated only traditions Law allowed what they did (Deuteronomy 23:24, 25) Mishna list of 39 work activities Exalted their traditions (Matthew 15:6-9)

Jesus’ Defense Summary Exposed their hypocrisy Violation of Law (David): OK Violation of tradition (Disciples): Not OK Similar reaction elsewhere (Matthew 12:10, 11)

Jesus’ Defense Other things to learn He needed to say no more Greater mission than the priests (Matthew 12:6) Failed to show mercy (v. 7; Hosea 6:6)

Conclusion Never justified in committing sin Care in accusing someone of sin