“See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the Sabbath.” Mt 12:2
When we feel cornered, we will do almost anything to defend
ourselves. It is always easier to attack then defend a weak position. There
seems little doubt that those accusing Jesus’ disciples of breaking the Sabbath
were really trying to undermine the Lord’s authority.
The Pharisees must have known that David had demanded that
his troops be fed even with the bread consecrated for temple use. David knew
his men were “pure”, that they had avoided sexual relations, and were therefore
worthy of eating the consecrated bread. He reminds the priests that he always
demanded purity of his troops when they were on an expedition for the
nation.
In like manner, Jesus is challenging the Pharisees to find
some “impurity” in his disciples. After all, the disciples had left everything to
follow him and were told often that they should take nothing for their journey
except the truth of Jesus’ message so that no one could question their motives.
If they were “pure” in their desire to announce God’s Good News even if it
meant their persecution, why would the Pharisees accuse of them of breaking the
Sabbath?
Today, pray for “purity” of heart in being a disciple.
What are your
greatest challenges to living the Gospel simply and transparently?
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