The Lord of the Sabbath Matthew 12:1-14 Logos Bible Fellowship 6/13/2007

Summary of the Passage Jesus and his disciples go through the cornfields on the Sabbath (v1)Jesus and his disciples go through the cornfields on the Sabbath (v1) The latter pluck and eat some of the ears, at which the Pharisees take offence (v1-2)The latter pluck and eat some of the ears, at which the Pharisees take offence (v1-2) The Lord vindicates them (v3-8)The Lord vindicates them (v3-8) The man with a withered hand cured (v 9-13)The man with a withered hand cured (v 9-13) The Pharisees seek his destruction (v14)The Pharisees seek his destruction (v14)

Unlawful Activity? (V 1-2) Parallel AccountParallel Account –Lk 6:1 And it came to pass, on the second-first sabbath, as he is going through the corn fields, that his disciples were plucking the ears, and were eating, rubbing with the hands –Whether wheat or barley, we do not know, not our "corn" (maize) - RWP –“second-first” – a peculiar phrase Were their actions lawful? (See Deut 23:25)Were their actions lawful? (See Deut 23:25) –What about it being the Sabbath? A direct attack on JesusA direct attack on Jesus –Previous attacks were indirect –Why?

Jesus’ Response (V 3-8) Jesus challenges their supposed knowledge of the LawJesus challenges their supposed knowledge of the Law –“Have ye not read” (6 different occasions) –They had the law memorized yet no “revelation” (Mt 11:25) Jesus refers to David (The hero of the Jews)Jesus refers to David (The hero of the Jews) –The account: 1 Samuel 21:1-6 –Showbread in the Law (Lev 24:5-9) –Rabbi Kimchi’s comments & the moral law to preserve life Jesus refers to Priests who also profane the SabbathJesus refers to Priests who also profane the Sabbath –Priests did a good deal of work on the sabbath, including double offerings & showbread preparation (Num 28:9-19), circumcisions, and other servile work –Activity in the work of God was both allowed and commanded.

The Lord of the Sabbath (V 6-8) Statements of authorityStatements of authority –“In this place is one greater than the temple” “something greater” - neuter“something greater” - neuter –“the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day” The Higher LawThe Higher Law –Did they break the Law? NO “guiltless” – same Greek word in verses 5 & 7“guiltless” – same Greek word in verses 5 & 7 – Why not? “I will have mercy, and not sacrifice” (v 7)“I will have mercy, and not sacrifice” (v 7) “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Mk 2:27-28)“The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Mk 2:27-28) “ceremonial observances must give way before moral duties, and particularly the necessities of nature” - JFB“ceremonial observances must give way before moral duties, and particularly the necessities of nature” - JFB

The Higher Law in Action (V 9-14) The question of healing on the Sabbath (v 10)The question of healing on the Sabbath (v 10) –Motive: “that they might accuse him” –Illustration of a sheep falling in a pit –“How much then is a man better than a sheep” (V 12a) Again an allusion to the moral nature of man’s necessities for survival (including food and health)Again an allusion to the moral nature of man’s necessities for survival (including food and health) God sees man as having value! (Gen 1:27,Psalm 8:3-8)God sees man as having value! (Gen 1:27,Psalm 8:3-8) –“it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days” (v 12b) And healing is “good” (Acts 10:38)And healing is “good” (Acts 10:38) –Instead of answering with a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, Jesus heals the man by commanding Him to stretch forth his hand –The council intends to “destroy” Christ (v 14)

Group Discussion As a child, what was Sunday dinner like?As a child, what was Sunday dinner like? Read Hebrews 4:1-11 – How does one enter the true day of rest? How is the Pharisees’ Sabbath legalism so ironic in light of this?Read Hebrews 4:1-11 – How does one enter the true day of rest? How is the Pharisees’ Sabbath legalism so ironic in light of this? How does Jesus’ question, “have ye not read”, challenge us in our daily walk?How does Jesus’ question, “have ye not read”, challenge us in our daily walk? Based on this section of scripture, how important are your needs to God? How important are other people’s needs to you?Based on this section of scripture, how important are your needs to God? How important are other people’s needs to you? When have you fallen into the trap of neglecting “mercy” and only giving “sacrifice”?When have you fallen into the trap of neglecting “mercy” and only giving “sacrifice”? For independent study: Are Christians bound to keep the Sabbath?For independent study: Are Christians bound to keep the Sabbath?