Lord of the Sabbath

In Matthew 12:1-8 we see what wicked hearts can manufacture and the purity and clarity Jesus brings to any and every situation. The Pharisees unjust accusation led to Jesus' uncompromising correction of the Pharisees. So that they would praise Him appropriately and not condemn others unfairly, Jesus corrected them. They needed to take a step back and get a clear picture of reality. Jesus points the unbelieving Pharisees to 3 big themes in this passage, that all point to Him. We have opportunity to learn from the Pharisees mistakes. And they weren't the only ones who misunderstood Jesus or had trouble treating others properly. God wants us to praise Him appropriately while not condemning others unfairly.

The 1st big theme had to do with God's Word. 12:3-5 He took them straight to God's Word accurately handled and interpreted. They were guilty of twisting and mangling the Scriptures for their own selfish ends. He says twice "Have you not read?" refering to God's Word. He shows them the true intent of Scripture. Jesus shows us that God's Word handled accurately must govern our behavior.

The 2nd big theme had to do with God's will. 12:7 Jesus says, "If you had understood.", quoting Hosea 6:6, for the 2nd time, (see Matt. 9:13), "you would not have condemned the innocent." From this we learn that God's will properly understood must be our deepest desire.

The 3rd big theme had to do with God's greatness. Matthew 12:6 Something greater than the temple is here. The something greater than the temple is Jesus Himself. Jesus, in 12:8, says "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." Jesus' favorite name for Himself, while on earth, was Son of Man. Jesus uses the term to clarify who He is. He is Lord over all creation. He is the humble Servant, who came to forgive sins. He is the suffering Servant, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, whose substitutionary death redeems His people. He is the King and Judge of all the earth who will return in glory, bringing His kingdom with Him. He is to be worshipped, feared, trusted, obeyed. From this we learn that, God's greatness revealed in Christ must be our primary focus.

Three common questions arise from this text:

1. How do we keep the Sabbath holy today?
Jesus said He dis not come to abolish but fulfill the law and prophets. The Pharisees had made a day of rest and mercy into a legalistic burden. We are to recieve God's gift of one day in seven to rest while not taking it to legalistic (imposing our standard on others) or licentious (completely ignoring it) extremes.

2. Is it ever ok to judge?
It is wrong to judge wrongly, it is right to judge rightly! See Matthew 7:4 and John 7:24. Exercise mercy. Do not pass judgment on matters of opinion not specified in Scripture. Judge with righteous judgment (make wise decisions and come to fair conclusions). Never take judgment to the next step and pass sentence. Never condemn. Reserve final judgment for God.

3. What should we do when condemned or tempted to comdemn?
Deal with it biblically. Apply Prov. 19:11 and Matt. 18:15-17 when you have been wronged; Matt. 5:23-24 when you are in the wrong.

Cling to God's mercy and let God do the judging. See the goodness of God in holding back what your sins deserve. Be thankful people don't know everything God knows about you. Humbly learn from opponents and bless them.

Love Jesus above all and live every moment for Him. Saying Jesus is Lord is huge. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord is life altering. It means we are yielding everything, or are willing to yield everything, to Him. Apply 2 Cor. 5:15 daily. Live for the glory of God in Christ.