1. Mercy and Obedience
Matthew 12:1-8

2. 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)

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

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

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

6. 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)

7. 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)

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

9. 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

10. 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? _______________

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

12. 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)

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

14. 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)

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