GOD'S LAWS vs OUR TRADITIONS - Matthew 12:1-8

What Does it Say?  Jesus and his disciples ate grain from a field on the Sabbath and the Pharisees accused them of breaking the law.  Jesus says that he is more interested in mercy than sacrifice.

What Does it Mean? The Pharisees had an agenda; to find a way to get rid of Jesus.  They think they have something when they catch Him and His disciples breaking off grain and eating it on the Sabbath.  Jesus makes it very clear that He is Lord of the Sabbath and the purpose was to serve people; not the other way around.  According to Old Testament law, He and the disciples had done nothing wrong; they were guilty of breaking Pharisaical traditions only.  Sometimes we get so caught up with the way we do things that we forget what God's laws are.  We are to be merciful to people with different ways of doing things; not stand in judgement.  A spiritual practice that I do is to read my Bible, journal, and pray before I get out of bed in the morning.  This works for me and I encourage you to do it, but it is not a law. Joshua 1:8 says we should meditate on God's word day and night, so we may be able to obey it.  God is relational; not a God of rules.  God is more interested in what is going on inside of us than on outward appearances.  It is so easy to be legalistic and think our way is the only way.  Don't major on the minors!!  Have you ever criticized other Christians for spiritual practices that are different from your own?  Look up what the Bible actually says about it.

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