Scripture reading – Matthew 12
Today’s Scripture reading, Matthew 12, is filled with exciting events from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. While I encourage you to read Matthew 12, I limit today’s Bible study to Matthew 12:1-21.
Matthew 12
At this time, Jesus’ public ministry was in its infancy. Nevertheless, His enemies feared and plotted against Him. The common Jews followed the LORD throughout His journeys, for they recognized He fulfilled the signs foretold by the prophet Isaiah, who wrote: “The eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6Then shall the lame man leap as an hart [deer], And the tongue of the dumb sing” (Isaiah 35:5-6).
Despite the miracles, the religious leaders of Israel [priests, Pharisees, and Sadducees]
constantly challenged Jesus’ teachings and practice. The Pharisees in Matthew 12 reveal a sect of Pharisees who were a constant source of antagonism for the Lord.
The Sabbath Day
The fourth commandment of the Law is, “Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8), and the interpretation and observance of that commandment was a point of conflict with the LORD throughout His earthly ministry. Some of the Jews had been riled when they learned Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath (John 5:5-9). From that day, they determined to “persecute [Him], and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day” (John 5:16).
The observance of the Sabbath was again an issue the Pharisees raised against Jesus in Matthew 12 when they came and accused Him and His disciples of breaking the Law of the Sabbath according to their interpretation (Matthew 12:1-2).
As they were en route to the synagogue on the Sabbath, Jesus and His disciples were hungry. As they passed through a farmer’s field, they “began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat” (Matthew 12:1). The Pharisees used their actions as an occasion to accuse the LORD of wrongdoing (Matthew 12:2).
Rather than bow to his critics, Jesus reminded the Pharisees that the issue was not the fourth commandment but their rigid interpretation of the Sabbath Day commandment. He contended that the fourth commandment did not prohibit a man from satisfying his physical hunger on the Sabbath and gave two examples to support His point.
The first was how David had taken bread from the Temple and ate it even though it was dedicated to the LORD (Matthew 12:3- 4). The second example was that the priests ministered on sabbath days as their service to the LORD (Matthew 12:5- 6; Numbers 28:9- 10; Leviticus 24:8- 9). Jesus then declared His authority and said of Himself, “In this place is one greater than the Temple…For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day” (Matthew 12:6, 8).
Departing from the Pharisees, Jesus entered the synagogue and encountered a man whose hand was paralyzed (Matthew 12:9-10). Rather than having compassion for the man, the Pharisees demanded of Jesus, “Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? That they might accuse him” (Matthew 12:10b).
Christ then answered their question with a question and cited a common practice for that rural setting (Matthew 12:11-13). The LORD asked, “What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?” (Matthew 12:11)
Jesus rightly asserted that they would save a sheep that had fallen into a pit, though it was the Sabbath. He then reasoned, Is a man not better than a sheep? (Matthew 12:12) Jesus then declared, “It is lawful to do well on the sabbath days” (Matthew 12:12b). He then spoke to the man with the withered hand and commanded, “Stretch forth thine hand.” When he did, his hand was healed completely (Matthew 12:13).
How did Christ’s enemies respond to His assertion that He was the “LORD even of the Sabbath?” (Matthew 12:8) They “went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him” (Matthew 12:14; Mark 3:5-6; Luke 6:11).
Closing thoughts –
On one hand, the Pharisees insisted their interpretation of the Sabbath was God’s will. Yet, on the other, they plotted to destroy Jesus and kill Him, which was a clear violation of the Sixth Commandment, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13).
How did Jesus respond to His enemy’s wicked and malicious intent? He “withdrew himself” from them. Yet He continued ministering to the people, and “great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all” (Matthew 12:15).
How do you respond to your critics and enemies? Some are tempted to quit, while others react and are ready to fight. Withdrawing and yet continuing to minister is a difficult decision. Yet, that was Christ’s manner—after all, the Spirit of God is gentle, not brazen.
Romans 12:18–19 – “18If it be possible [knowing it is not always possible], as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath [God’s anger]: for it is written, Vengeance is mine (Deuteronomy 32:35); I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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