Rituals or Compassion

N.T.#128 "Rituals or Compassion"

August 11, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

The Pharisees were known for their knowledge of Scripture and their love of rules. When they saw Jesus' disciples picking and eating grain on the Sabbath, they accused the disciples of breaking the law, but those nitpickers added regulations onto it that they considered the disciples working on the Sabbath. Didn't they know God's Word? (Tony Evans)

Jesus was referring to the time David, a Jewish hero, and his men were running for their lives from king Saul. David took bread from the Tabernacle, which only the priests were allowed to eat. God's laws were never meant to get in the way of taking care of the necessities of life. The Sabbith was for the benefit of man, not for his destruction. (Mark 2:27)

Was it better for the followers of Jesus to starve than to break the laws of the Pharisees? Apparently. How unkind and compassionate those guys were.

LET IT GROW

Jesus reminded them that the priests violated the Sabbath all the time! (verse 5) They had to do God's work on the Sabbath. Legalists is what those nitpicking Pharisees were. 

In Hosea 6:6, God tells us, For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Whenever the commands of God prevent us from loving and serving God, then we are using His commands inappropriately. He wants faithful love more than sacrifice or tithing. Also, God is not impressed if we know His Word, yet have a heart of stone.

How is our heart?

LET IT GO 

Help us love You and others above rituals, God.