PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 12:1-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“(They) ate the consecrated bread – which was not lawful for them to do.” (Matthew 12:4)
Jesus reminds the Pharisees of the time when David broke the Law.
The Moses Law was clear this bread was ONLY for the priests (Leviticus 24:5-9).
Jesus is showing that there is something more important than the Law.
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” (Matthew 12:7)
The temple bread was God’s gracious provision for the priests.
The Law was to protect their food supply, to make sure their needs were met.
When the priest shares the bread with David, he is showing mercy (1 Samuel 21).
By breaking the Law, he was fulfilling the Law, the purpose of the Law.
You could say the same about someone lying to hide Jews from the Nazis.
Jesus says that all the Law and Prophets hang on the love commands (Matthew 22:34-40).
Every command somehow promotes love or mercy, and challenges unloving behaviours.
We are no longer under the Law with its commands and regulations (Ephesians 2:15).
But we are under its original purpose: to enjoy the gift of mercy and love together.
The reason for the sabbath law, and other laws, remains: mercy and love!
PRAYER
Lord, though I am not under the sabbath law, it’s blessing is still meant for me. May I experience the gift of sabbath, without being burdened by its legalism.
We need the law – it is the basis of a justice system but even so innocent people would have been condemned unfairly. I just think of God providing the cities of refuge for those who without malicious intent and killed someone by their actions – by accident. Jesus says we need to love mercy not ritual following of laws, traditions, even offerings and sacrifices. He says that if we can better understand and practice mercy then: “you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Gods gift of the law was so that we would be fair and merciful. God showed so much mercy and grace to His people – you get that when reading through the OT – sure there was punishment – but God was patient. He wants us to have Sabbath rest – rest from our sin and striving. God is patient with me and He is gracious to me – time and time I’m tempted and my thoughts are impure – Lord continue to help me discern and help our church’s also discern how to love mercy and help your people to find their way to you – so that each person may have the opportunity to grow in relationship with you Lord Jesus and find Sabbath!
The priests performed daily in the temple. These rituals were for the people’s good, reminding the people of God’s forgiveness for all who seek Him. The sacrifice was not central but the heart condition was. Our hearts, my heart needs to be focused not on myself but on the needs of those around me – the love for others. Sharing. Caring. Loving God by loving others.
Make me a servant, humble and meek.
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak,
And may the prayer of my heart always be:
Make me a servant (x2)
Make me a servant today!