Red Letter Bible Study--Matthew 12:1-21 (Large crowds follow Jesus)

Matthew 12:1-21 (Mark 2:23-28; Mark 3:1-12;  Luke 6:1-11)

Jesus and His disciples are walking on the Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening) The disciples are hungry and pick grain to eat, which is noticed by the Pharisees.  The Pharisees call Jesus, as the leader, out on their actions.  Jesus references King David's actions from 1 Samuel 21:1-6 and also the law which required the priests to do their work on the Sabbath.  Jesus and the disciples go from walking through a field into a synagogue (church).  A man with a withered hand presented himself to Jesus.  The Pharisees asked Jesus His intentions for the man's healing, ready to accuse Him.  He answers the question with a question of His own--should people leave every kind of work or trouble to the next day just to keep the law of the Sabbath?  Jesus heals the man's hand to show that the man's life has more value than keeping the letter of the law, rather than the heart behind it.  The Pharisees were madder than ever, and conspiring to trap Jesus another way.  Jesus heals many others, but doesn't want His works broadcast to fulfill words spoken by the prophet Isaiah 42:1-4

Jesus and the disciples surely are getting tired of the Pharisees picking them apart at every turn.  😖  Jesus bolsters His actions with Old Testament law, even referencing the beloved King David.  He's making the point that these "Old Testament experts" have repeatedly missed the heart of the law.  Jesus is showcasing His connection to the earthly royal and priestly lines by comparing His actions to priests and kings.  And He is showcasing His Heavenly royal and priestly authority by healing a man, whether the healing happens on a Sabbath day or not!  Because all things have been handed over to Him by God, Jesus has the power and the right to say there is something greater than the temple in reference to Himself.  He is in charge of all things Sabbath.  

I love this story because it ties the Old and New Testaments together.  The Old covenant, or promise, is rich in law and history, not something to be despised or erased.  But it's also not something to be worshiped, as the Pharisees were so trained to do.  The Old Covenant was always, always, always, meant to point us to the coming sacrifice of the Messiah, God with us in the flesh through Christ Jesus.  God desires mercy rather than sacrifice, but through Jesus, He will accomplish both!  Look, He's the chosen One of God, beloved Son who pleases the Father.  Praise Him!!