1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. (Matthew 12:1-8 KJV)
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath
The Jewish teachers had corrupted many commandments by interpreting them more loosely than intended, a mistake Christ corrected in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5). However, regarding the fourth commandment – ‘Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy (Ex 20:8)’, they erred by interpreting it too strictly.
It is common for people of corrupt minds to think that zeal in rituals can atone for moral looseness. But those who add to or take from God’s words are condemned (Revelation 22:16, Re 22:19; Proverbs 30:6).
Jesus establishes that works of necessity and mercy are lawful on the Sabbath, which the Jews often scrupled over. His clear explanation of the fourth commandment emphasizes that it remains important for religious observance of one day each week. He taught that the Christian Sabbath is based on the fourth commandment, not on the rules set by Jewish elders.
The passage says the disciples were following Jesus through a grain field on the Sabbath, likely on their way to the synagogue (Matthew 12:9). Being hungry, they plucked ears of grain, which was permitted by law (Deuteronomy 23:25). This provision teaches neighborliness, prioritizing human need over strict property rights. Their meal was simple, yet they were content.
The Pharisees took offense, not because they took another man’s grain, but because they did so on the Sabbath. According to their tradition, plucking and rubbing the grain was considered reaping and therefore forbidden on the Sabbath. It is common for Christ’s disciples to have their innocent actions misrepresented by those zealous for human traditions.
The Pharisees accused the disciples of doing what was unlawful on the Sabbath and they complained to their master, Christ Jesus. Take note that those who turn human rules into divine commands are no friends of Christ. Christ answered their complaint with precedents they could not refute:
First, he made reference to David’s example (Matthew 12:3-4). David and his men ate the consecrated bread, which was meant only for priests (Leviticus 24:5-9). Though the law did not explicitly allow for exceptions, the principle of necessity was understood. David was justified, not by his rank, but by his need. Similarly, the disciples’ hunger justified their actions.
Second, he made reference to the priests’ example (Matthew 12:5). The priests performed sacrificial duties on the Sabbath, which involved labor, yet were not guilty of breaking the commandment. This shows that work necessary for God’s service is lawful on the Sabbath. Activities essential to worship, like calling the congregation together or traveling to church, are justified. Christ also argued that:
First, Jesus argues that he is greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6). If temple service justified the priests’ work, how much more were his disciples justified in serving him, who is greater than the temple? True worship is not confined to a place but to Christ himself.
Second, Jesus argues that God desires mercy over sacrifice (Matthew 12:7). Ceremonial laws must yield to moral duties. The Sabbath was given for man’s benefit (Deuteronomy 5:14), so it should not be interpreted in a way that contradicts its purpose. The Pharisees’ ignorance and misunderstanding led them to accuse the innocent of breaking the Sabbath. Knowing Scripture is not enough; we must understand its meaning.
Third, Jesus argues that he is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. As God, he is the one who instituted the Sabbath and has authority over it. As Lord of the Sabbath, he can modify its observance and determine its proper use. This also establishes that the Sabbath law remains, with necessary allowances.
Having silenced the Pharisees, Jesus continued to the synagogue (Matthew 12:9). This teaches us that, as Christians, nothing should stop, not even opposition from those who misinterpret God’s law should deter us from worshiping God, fellowshipping with the church, or rendering our serves to God.