FRIDAY- 15TH
WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –A
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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