“The Goodness of the Great One”
(Matthew 12:1-14)
Series: God’s Fulfilled Promise [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
July 7, 2019
The Passage
Matthew 12:1-14
1 At that time Jesus passed through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick and eat some heads of grain. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.”
3 He said to them, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry: 4 how he entered the house of God, and they ate the bread of the Presence—which is not lawful for him or for those with him to eat, but only for the priests? 5 Or haven’t you read in the law that on Sabbath days the priests in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? 6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
9 Moving on from there, he entered their synagogue. 10 There he saw a man who had a shriveled hand, and in order to accuse him they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
11 He replied to them, “Who among you, if he had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t take hold of it and lift it out? 12 A person is worth far more than a sheep; so it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.”
13 Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored, as good as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted against him, how they might kill him.
Introductory Comments:
We’re continuing our series in the Gospel of Matthew.
In Matthew 11, we see that Jesus is getting down more to the nitty-gritty of who He is and what He came to do.
Now, we are starting chapter 12 and we see that more and more people will start to oppose Jesus. In today’s passage, it’s the good ol’ Pharisees who are opposing Jesus.
In Matthew 12:1-14 the Pharisees are caught up on some rules regarding the Sabbath. We’re going to see what they say and how Jesus responds.
Let’s go to God in prayer and ask Him to continue to be with us in this worship service.
(prayer)
Have you ever put a lot of effort into something only to realize that you totally got it wrong? Perhaps you’re stressed out before a party and you start acting crazy and getting upset. Not only that, but you upset everyone else and drive them crazy because you’re so stressed out. Then you realize later that parties are all about spending time with people and having fun. You realize that you got it totally wrong. Or, perhaps maybe you’ve tried to be helpful with washing dishes when you were young. Instead of using dishwasher liquid, you used Dawn dish soap. The next thing you know, you have soap suds all over the kitchen. You got it totally wrong.
Well, the Pharisees are on a mission to perfectly follow God. They are trying to keep all the rules and make sure everyone else does as well. However, they get it all totally wrong.
We’re going to see today that there is someone and something greater than religious rules.
Let’s see first, . . .
I. The Savior is greater than the Sabbath (vv. 1-8) [on screen]
Matthew sets up this chapter so that we know that these events are happening on the Sabbath day.
The Sabbath day was the last (seventh) day of the week. Because God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day, He also commanded His people in the Old Testament to rest on the seventh day of the week, which is Saturday.
By the way, as a side note, there is nowhere in the New Testament that says that Sunday is now the Sabbath day, instead of Saturday. Sunday is the Lord’s Day and the day when most Christians met for worship in the early church. There is no evidence that the early church observed the Sabbath on Sunday. Christ has set us free from the Old Testament laws, including the strict requirements of observing the Sabbath on Saturday, or any other day. Rest is still a gift from God and should be desired and practiced, but ultimately our rest is found in Jesus.
Nevertheless, the Pharisees are still very much committed to the Sabbath and we see that something takes place on the Sabbath day that upsets them.
Let’s look at the passage.
1 At that time Jesus passed through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick and eat some heads of grain. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.”
3 He said to them, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry: 4 how he entered the house of God, and they ate the bread of the Presence—which is not lawful for him or for those with him to eat, but only for the priests? 5 Or haven’t you read in the law that on Sabbath days the priests in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? 6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
We are told in this passage that Jesus and His disciples are hungry, so they do what hungry men do: they look around for something to eat. They see some grain in the fields and they pick the grain with their hands and begin to eat it.
By the way, this was not considered stealing. Jewish law allowed people who were hungry to take a small amount of grain from others’ fields.
The Pharisees didn’t have an issue that Jesus and His disciples might be thieves.
The issue of the Pharisees was that the disciples were “working” on the Sabbath day.
You see the Pharisees and other religious leaders had developed a list of 39 different types of rules related to working on the Sabbath. Harvesting wheat was on that list of forbidden tasks to do on the Sabbath, even if it was just a small amount of wheat harvested by picking it with your hands.
You might think that this is a bit excessive, and it is. I experienced something like this first hand when I was in Israel last year. You see, our hotel had three elevators and one of those was designated as the Shabbat, or Sabbath, elevator. You didn’t want to get on the Shabbat elevator unless you were a committed Orthodox Jewish person. You see, the Shabbat elevator stopped on every single floor automatically, all the way up and all the way down. “Why,” you ask? Because to press the button to fetch the elevator is considered work by some. The press of a button which sends an electrical current to a control box is work. Never mind the fact that to ride on the Shabbat elevator felt like work to me because it stopped on every floor. That was the rule. That was the regulation for the Sabbath day. That seemed a bit excessive to me.
This response from the Pharisees towards Jesus seems a bit excessive as well.
Yet, Jesus did not address the law itself or even the Pharisees’ interpretation of the law.
Instead, Jesus provided two exceptions and in doing so He points out that if the lesser is true, then the greater must be true as well. Let me explain this.
The first example is this: Jesus says in verses 3-4 that David and his men went into the tabernacle and ate bread that was supposed to be eaten by priests only. However, this was allowable because David and his men were truly in need. The priests even supported this.
The second example that Jesus gives involves the priests themselves. In verse 5 the priests themselves violated the Sabbath laws. The priests had to work on the Sabbath just so that the temple could function. Sort of like in our modern context, Sunday is a workday for pastors. The priests themselves violated the letter of the law. Yet, that was ok.
Then, Jesus says in verse 6 that something greater than the temple is here. He is referring to Himself. He is saying, “I am greater than the temple.” That’s a bold statement because the temple represented the holy presence of God and God Himself.
By saying that He is greater than the temple, He establishes the greater element in this discussion. Follow me here: Jesus is saying that if it’s ok for the lesser, David and the priests, to break the strict letter of the law on the Sabbath; then it’s also ok for the greater, Jesus Himself, to break the strict letter of the law on the Sabbath.
He then gives us a hint in verse 7 of where He’s going with the next situation.
Jesus says in verse 7, “If you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent.”
Jesus is quoting the prophet Hosea, here, which the Pharisees would have known. Jesus is basically saying, “You don’t know what it means to really worship God.”
The Pharisees are trying to worship God; they’re trying to follow all the religious rules, and make sure others do; but they got it all wrong.
Jesus, finally, boldly says in verse 8, “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Jesus commonly referred to Himself as “Son of Man.” He is saying here, “I am Lord over the Sabbath.”
The Sabbath was instituted by God Himself. Jesus is saying that He is greater than what God Himself instituted and commanded.
Listen, church, the Savior is greater than the Sabbath. Jesus is greater than any other religious law, regulation, devotion, sacrifice, anything! Jesus is greater!
Jesus is greater than David and his men, Jesus is greater than the priests of the temple, He’s greater than the tabernacle, He’s greater than the temple itself, and He’s greater than the Sabbath. He is the Lord of the Sabbath, and He is Lord of all.
He deserves all of our devotion, all of our worship, all of our sacrifice, and all of our hearts.
Jesus is greater.
Second, . . .
II. Love is greater than legalism (vv. 9-14) [on screen]
The Pharisees were not happy with Jesus. They wanted to trap Him and accuse Him, and they found an opportunity to do so.
Let’s look at verses 9-14.
9 Moving on from there, he entered their synagogue. 10 There he saw a man who had a shriveled hand, and in order to accuse him they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
11 He replied to them, “Who among you, if he had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t take hold of it and lift it out? 12 A person is worth far more than a sheep; so it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.”
13 Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored, as good as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted against him, how they might kill him.
Some say that the Pharisees may have placed this man in the synagogue in order to trap Jesus. I’m not sure about that. However, at the least, they saw the man there and knew that Jesus may very well want to heal the man.
The man had surely heard about Jesus’ healing power and His compassion for the sick and afflicted. He may have been delighted about the possibility of being healed by Jesus.
It would have been natural for Jesus to be in the synagogue on a Sabbath day, as the synagogue was the center of religious learning and fellowship. It would be like going to Sunday school and worship on a Sunday.
So, we have this showdown.
The Pharisees are trying to trap and accuse Jesus. You would think that they would learn their lesson by now, but they haven’t. They will eventually get so frustrated by their inability to trap and trick Jesus that they will decide instead to try and kill Him.
They saw the man, they knew Jesus may heal Him, so before He did they asked Him this question to trap Him: “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
The letter of the law stated that you could only help a human in need on the Sabbath if his or her life was in danger. The Pharisees had Jesus cornered this time, or so they thought.
Jesus answered again with the lesser to greater argument. This time He does so with a question regarding an animal.
Jesus says, “Who among you, if he had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t take hold of it and lift it out?”
It’s at this point that the Pharisees are probably thinking, “Oh boy. We see where He’s going with this.”
You see, the practice of the religious devotees was that you could make an exception if your animal was in trouble on the Sabbath day.
Jesus is so brilliant, so untainted by pride and arrogance, and so wise. He replies, “A person is worth far more than a sheep; so it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.”
What are you going to say to that? There’s nothing you can say. Jesus is right. Jesus argues if the lesser is permitted, the helping of an animal; so is the greater, the helping of a human, who is made in the image of God.
After putting the Pharisees in their place theologically speaking, Jesus heals the man, which probably feels like someone pressing on a bruise for the Pharisees.
Jesus tells the man, “Stretch out your hand.” As the man does so he is healed.
Jesus understands the way of God, He understands the love of God, and He has the power of God.
What Jesus says in verse 12 is key for our understanding as well. He says, “it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.”
What Jesus is saying here is that doing good trumps following a list of rules.
You might say it this way: love is greater than legalism.
You see legalism says we must follow more and more rules in order to earn God’s favor. Legalism loses sight of love. Legalism loses sight of God’s grace and the redemptive power of Jesus.
Legalism says you can’t eat grain on the Sabbath, even if you’re hungry. Legalism says you can’t heal someone on a day reserved for rest. Legalism says pastors can’t have beards. Legalism says you can’t listen to music that has a beat. Legalism says you can only use one translation of the Bible. Legalism says you have to dress a certain way. Legalism says you can’t dance. Legalism says you have to follow man-made rules when it comes to how to do church. Legalism says that visitors have to look a certain way before they’re accepted in a church. Legalism says that the tradition of the church is more important than obeying God’s explicit commands to make disciples. Legalism leads you to be like a Pharisee. Love leads you to be like Jesus.
Listen, church, love is greater than legalism!
Let us learn to show love more than anything else. We exist to develop disciples who love God, love the church, and love others.
God’s Word is sufficient as it is. We don’t need to add anything to it. Let’s follow the Word of God, be devoted to the Son of God, and show the love of God.
Showing love is not always well received. In fact, it led to Jesus’ death. Verse 14 says, “The Pharisees went out and plotted against him, how they might kill him.”
Notice the anger of the Pharisees. They were infuriated. However, imagine the joy of the man who was healed.
It’s hard to believe that the Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus over this incident. However, that’s what pride, arrogance, and sin will do to you.
The Sabbath was a gift to God’s people. However, the Savior is a greater gift than the Sabbath.
God’s laws are a gift to the world. However, people will always try to add more rules. Remember, love is greater than legalism.
Concluding Thoughts:
This is not to say that God’s laws don’t matter. However, we must remember two things: First, we don’t need to add to God’s laws. They’re good enough as they are. Second, we really can’t follow God’s law apart from Jesus Christ.
We need Jesus to follow God’s laws.
Speaking of God’s laws, here’s the most important law of God.
When Jesus was asked what was most important, this is how He replied in Matthew 22:37-40:
37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important command. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” [on screen]
Loving God and others is what we’re here to do.
God showed His mercy to the world and made it possible for us to love and be loved through Jesus.
That takes us to our bottom line this week:
Bottom Line: The goodness of the Great One is the greatest good in all the world. [on screen]
(repeat)
He’s better than all the laws of the Scriptures. He’s better than all the extra rules we’ve invented over the years. He’s better than every church building in all the world. He’s better than every celebrity pastor, or every nobody pastor. He’s better than all the best rules that every religious institution and every religious person has to offer.
Jesus is better. He is the greatest good!
Sabbath rest is good, but the rest found in Jesus is better!
Laws are good, but the love of Jesus is better!
Live out this passage by challenging yourself in the following ways, this week and beyond:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
- Define your relationship with the Lord of the Sabbath. [on screen]
Do you know Jesus?
What kind of relationship do you have with Jesus?
I’ve had several Gospel conversations with people lately where they know about Jesus, but they don’t really know Jesus.
Define your relationship with Jesus.
- Show the good mercy of Jesus this week. [on screen]
It’s lawful to do good on the Sabbath, and every other day.
God desires mercy, not sacrifice.
How will you show mercy to others this week?
Closing:
Pastor David Platt says this in his commentary on this topic, “At their core all other religions call us to follow religious rules and regulations. And if we’re not careful, this kind of thinking becomes the foundation for how we live as Christians; we begin to think that if we pray enough, if we study the Bible enough, if we avoid certain sins, if we come to worship, if we help other people, if we go overseas in missions, if we do any number of things, we will become more acceptable to God.”
Listen, church, Jesus came so you wouldn’t have to work for your religion, He came because you couldn’t work enough to earn favor with God. We must not pervert the grace of Jesus Christ by trying to work our way to God. We must not sabotage the faith of others by requiring them to work for their faith.
The Savior is greater than the Sabbath. Love is greater than legalism. Look to Jesus and His great grace!
I proclaim to you today the same message which Jesus proclaimed to the Pharisees: Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. Indeed, He is Lord of all.
Do you follow Him as Lord?
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
Invitation Song – Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Benediction:
If you have any sort of spiritual decision that you would like to make, you can contact me or Pastor Richard and we would be glad to talk to you anytime.
We have some great events coming up in the next couple of weeks. Be in prayer this week as we have our middle school aged archery camp. Pray that God will work greatly this week with the students and our folks who are leading that camp.
Also, the next week is VBS. Continue to pray, invite, and sign-up for VBS. I’m excited about both of these events.
Speaking of prayer, today is the first Sunday of the month, which means our evening service will be devoted to prayer. We will pray for a couple of heavy issues that happened with our church family this past week. We will also spend some time in prayer for our community tonight. I can’t wait to see you all back here tonight at 5:30.
Let’s dismiss by singing Blest Be the Tie that Binds.
(Sing Blest Be the Tie that Binds)
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