Matthew 12: 1-14 (Mark 2:23-3:6 & Luke 6:1-11) Jesus; the “Lord of the Sabbath” and the Pharisees

Overview The Pharisees problem with Jesus’ disciples Jesus challenges the Pharisees The Pharisees try to trap Jesus Jesus answers the Pharisees Jesus heals the man with the withered hand So what?

The Pharisees problem with Jesus’ disciples (1-2) Eating the corn was not wrong –(Deut 23:24-25) God had said no work on the Sabbath –4 th of the 10 commandments (Ex ) The Old Testament did not define “work” The Pharisees obsession with what was / wasn’t permissible –Created their own rules

The Pharisees problem with Jesus’ disciples (1-2) Rules and principles –Heart attitudes and outward appearance –Matthew 23, Luke 7: Thinking about application is important Imposing our own convictions on others

Jesus challenges the Pharisees (3-8) The Pharisees couldn’t see the wood for the trees –The difference between knowing and understanding David and the consecrated bread –(1 Samuel ) Priests desecrate the day every Sabbath The one greater than the temple I desire mercy not sacrifice –Condemning the innocent

The Pharisees try to trap Jesus (9-10) This is a separate encounter –(Mark 3:1 & Luke 6:6) Jesus deliberately places himself in “their Synagogue Was the man “planted” by the Pharisees? The Rabbi’s said could only heal life threatening illnesses in the Sabbath The heartlessness of the Pharisees –Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus… –Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?

Jesus answers the Pharisees (11-12) Jesus challenges their hypocrisy –You would rescue your sheep –How much more valuable is a man than a sheep Mark 3:4-5 –It is right to do good on the Sabbath –Jesus was angry and deeply distressed at their stubborn hardness of heart

Jesus heals the man with the withered hand (13-14) Mark and Luke –Stand up in front of everyone –Stretch out your hand Jesus did not hide away or heal the man afterwards If the man was a plant this is even more incredible! Mark 3:6 – The Pharisees and Herodians began to plot how the might kill Jesus

So what? Where are we evangelical Pharisees? –What are our “Sabbath issues”? –Where do we add to the Lords commands? Are we obsessed with what we can and can’t do instead of “obsessively” loving God? Are we focussed on law or grace, justice or mercy? –Do we embrace the scandal of grace? Do we think about application with a right heart? Do we seek to truly understand and apply the scriptures to our lives? Where do we excuse ourselves and condemn others? How should we use the Sabbath to “do good”? Do we try to “hide away” to avoid opposition? Are we willing to do good even to our enemies? Are we expecting opposition?

Questions and comments?