FRIDAY- 15^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8: The Son of Man is master of the Sabbath.

I Reading: Isaiah 38:1-6.21-22.7-8: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.

Messiah is Greater than Religion, Mt 12:1-8

Chapter 12 deals with the rising opposition to Jesus Christ both from religionists (Mt 12:1-45) and from his own family (Mt 12:46-50). Jesus confronted attack after attack, vindicating his Messiahship against each one. Suspicion, rejection and fear of Christ were growing at a rapid pace. Jesus had to continue to proclaim the truth for the sake of every generation, for he was the true Messiah, the Saviour of all who would believe and surrender to him.

Christ used this opportunity to show that he himself was the Messiah is greater than the Sabbath or religion.

1.     A questionable act-breaking the Sabbath law (v.1-3)

a.     The religionist’s accusation

b.    Jesus’ progressive argument and defense

2.     Step 1: need has precedence over tradition and ritual (cp. David) (v.3-4)

3.     Step 2: necessary work has precedence over the Sabbath, that is over religion (v.5)

4.     Step 3: he (the Messiah) is greater than the temple (v.6)

5.     Step 4: he will have a religion of mercy and not sacrifice (v.7)

6.     Step 5: he is Lord of the Sabbath and religion (v.8)

Thought: The religionists (Jewish teachers) corrupted God’s Word (Rev. 22:18-19; Prov 30:6; 1Jn 5:3; Acts 23:8; Lk 6:2).

The religionists did not have a merciful heart; they were not compassionate and understanding of human need. They did not understand the true meaning of God’s heart and Word. They knew God’s Word but did not know its meaning. They judged and censored others because they did not know the meaning of God’s heart and Word. God’s heart and word never allows censoring any one. How much mercy and compassion are needed in all our dealings!

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