Matthew 12: 1-21

The Lord of the Sabbath

When the Commandments were given to the Israelites, God said that the Sabbath, or the Seventh day, was to be kept holy. He advised them that no work should be done on the seventh day, even during the harvest season. 

The Pharisees saw that the disciples were picking some heads of grain- perhaps, technically, this was a form of harvesting- and they questioned Jesus, accordingly. 

1. Why did God want the Sabbath to be holy?

-So, if YOU have to work on Sunday- are you not keeping the Sabbath holy?

-Can you not work on Sunday and still not keep the Sabbath holy?

(Suggested reading: Exodus 20: 8-12, 34:21)

2. Review vs 2.

-What do you think is the motivation behind the Pharisees criticism of the disciples? Is it because of their "reverence" for God and His Commandments?

3. Review Jesus' response in vs 3-6

-Why was Jesus reminding the Pharisees of these events? 

(Suggested reading: 1 Samuel 21: 3-6)

4. Review v 7

-What does "I desire mercy, not sacrifice," mean?

-Why would Jesus say this to the Pharisees? Was their version of God's Law unmerciful?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 12: 1-21