In this episode, we dive into Matthew 12:1-8, where Jesus and his disciples are accused by the Pharisees of breaking the Sabbath by eating grain from the edges of the field. Jesus responds by identifying himself with David, specifically referencing the story of David eating the sacred shewbread from the Temple when he was fleeing from Saul. This comparison is more than just about Jesus identifying his actions with David's supposedly "unlawful" actions—it sheds light on how Jesus saw himself as walking in the footsteps of David, as he, like David, is also on the run, having to evade the authorities who see themselves as enforcers of the law. Essentially, Jesus is aligning himself with the larger story of David as a fugitive who moves "against the grain" of the powers that be.
We also discuss how this story comes right after Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 where he tells those who are weary to come to him for rest and to take his yoke upon them. The story of his disciples eating the grain illustrates what Jesus is offering his followers—rest for those burdened by heavy and unreasonable religious expectations. The eating of the grain from the edges of the field becomes a picture of the kind of rest and mercy Jesus is provinding his followers, which contrasts with the rigid and oppressive interpretation of the Sabbath that the Pharisees try to enforce.
Moreover, Jesus’ statement "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" does not dismiss the law. Instead, he emphasizes that when laws appear to be in conflict, the guiding principle must be mercy rather than legalistic technicalities. The Sabbath, after all, was made to serve human needs, and as the Son of Man, Jesus shows what it truly means to honor and obey the law in a way that realizes its true intent.
We end the episode by emphasizing that Jesus upholds the law—not by abolishing it, but by fulfilling its true purpose and intent: to give life, rest, and mercy to those who seek God.
Key Passages:
Matthew 12:1-8
1 Samuel 21:1-9 the episode in David's life where he is on the run and eats the shewbread in the temple
Hoseah 6:6 the passage Jesus quotes to the Pharisees "I desire mercy and not sacrifice"
Numbers 28:9-10 - Priests are commanded to offer sacrifices on the Sabbath, which technically contradicts and breaks the command about not working on the Sabbath

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

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