1. The Torah does not forbid such activity, although Deut 23: 35 expressly forbids the reaping of grain with a sickle on the Sabbath. It appears however the scribal tradition had come to take a conservative stance, interpreting all actions resembling reaping as a breach of Sabbath rest.
2. The presence of the Pharisees in the field, complaining to Jesus about the behavior of his disciples, indicates the artificial nature of the pericope. This is the first time the Pharisees have been actively present of have spoken to Jesus. The stage is now set for the direct involvement of the Pharisees, leading to their decision, taken with the Herodians.
3. Jesus compares the action of his disciples with the action of King David (1 Sam 21: 1-6). The relationship between the two episodes is weak. Though both the events takes place on a Sabbath day, the disciples are not driven by extreme hunger, nor are they accused because they eat. The issues is this, if such unlawful practice was condoned for David and his companions how much more should actions done on the Sabbath be condoned in light of the uniqueness of Jesus.
4. Human beings are far more important than rules and regulations; far more important than ceremony, ritual and religion. The first duty of a human being is to worship God and to meet the needs of his fellow human beings.
5. The best way to use sacred things is to use them for others. The Sabbath was never so sacred as when it was used to help those who needed help. The decisive factor in the use of all things is love and not law.
Once we decided to find faults with others, we can see nothing but only faults. Even the upright actions of the others will appear to be hypocritical. The Pharisees are determined to find faults with Jesus and His disciples. We have thousands of opportunity to find faults with others. Between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, between community members, between Superior and the Subjects, Employer and employees so on and so forth. In the same way if we decided to see only good things in others, we will only see the good things. Therefore it is our decision and right attitude that determines perception.
Courtesy
The Gospel of Mark – A Commentary – Moloney
The Preacher’s Outline and the Sermon Bible
William Barclay’s study Bible
2. The presence of the Pharisees in the field, complaining to Jesus about the behavior of his disciples, indicates the artificial nature of the pericope. This is the first time the Pharisees have been actively present of have spoken to Jesus. The stage is now set for the direct involvement of the Pharisees, leading to their decision, taken with the Herodians.
3. Jesus compares the action of his disciples with the action of King David (1 Sam 21: 1-6). The relationship between the two episodes is weak. Though both the events takes place on a Sabbath day, the disciples are not driven by extreme hunger, nor are they accused because they eat. The issues is this, if such unlawful practice was condoned for David and his companions how much more should actions done on the Sabbath be condoned in light of the uniqueness of Jesus.
4. Human beings are far more important than rules and regulations; far more important than ceremony, ritual and religion. The first duty of a human being is to worship God and to meet the needs of his fellow human beings.
5. The best way to use sacred things is to use them for others. The Sabbath was never so sacred as when it was used to help those who needed help. The decisive factor in the use of all things is love and not law.
Once we decided to find faults with others, we can see nothing but only faults. Even the upright actions of the others will appear to be hypocritical. The Pharisees are determined to find faults with Jesus and His disciples. We have thousands of opportunity to find faults with others. Between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, between community members, between Superior and the Subjects, Employer and employees so on and so forth. In the same way if we decided to see only good things in others, we will only see the good things. Therefore it is our decision and right attitude that determines perception.
Courtesy
The Gospel of Mark – A Commentary – Moloney
The Preacher’s Outline and the Sermon Bible
William Barclay’s study Bible
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