If Jesus was being tried in a court of law, for his actions. The charge against Him would be, "Breaking the Sabbath". The verdict would be, "Guilty!"

If you or I were on trial, in that same court room, being accused of the same crime, "Breaking the Sabbath". The verdict would be, "Guilty."

Why?

What did Jesus do to break the Sabbath? Are they to be found guilty of violating the fourth commandment,

"Remember the Sabbath day,
and keep it holy."

because they "plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them on their hands, and ate?"

What unholy act did they commit? Theft?

After all Jesus and his disciples did help themselves to grain which was not their’s. However in this case they did nothing wrong. God’s law instructed farmers not to harvest the crop on the edge of their property, but to leave that for travelers and the poor.

So what they had done was permitted by law.

The question which needs to be asked is; Were they breaking divine law OR the Pharisees law?

Jesus and his disciples were guilty of breaking the law of the Pharisees.

In an effort to prevent people from breaking the Sabbath the teachers of the law, known as the Pharisees had established thirty-nine categories of activities forbidden on the Sabbath. Harvesting was one of those activities. There were many other rules and regulations, some even more ridiculous than this one.

Their rules and regulations were about as silly as some warnings you find on products.

On the packing for a Rowenta Iron - Do not iron clothes on body.

On Nytol, ( a sleeping aid ) - Warning: may cause drowsiness.

On a chain saw - Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands.

On a bag of Fritos - You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.

The Pharisees were so immersed in rules and regulations that they had forgotten about mercy.

"Why are you doing what is not lawful?"

Today, there are people who blame life’s problems on two laws passed in the fifties and sixties. The removal of prayer from the public schools and the removal of the blue laws. These people’s memories are of Sunday’s spent going to Sunday School followed by worship. Then it was back home for a sit down dinner, which often included the extended family. The women or should I say the females were busy with the meal preparation. While the men gathered in the living room or if it was a nice day, in the yard, to solve the problems of the world. The very young children were allowed to play quietly. One thing you knew for sure, is that you were not to get your Sunday clothes dirty. You knew better then to ask if you could change into play clothes so you could go outside an play.

If only we could return to the practices and traditions of yesterday.

A Cambridge student had similar thoughts

The following is reported to be true story. During an examination a bright young student asked the professor to bring him some cakes and Ale.

The professor responded, "I beg your pardon?"

The student repeated his request for cakes and ale

The professor refused his request.

At which point the student produced a copy of the four hundred year old laws of Cambridge, which read, "gentlemen sitting for examinations may request and require cakes and ale." The professor thought Pepsi and hamburgers were a modern equivalent and so he fetched the student some.

Three weeks later the student was fined five pounds for not wearing a sword to the examination.

Do not get me wrong I am not advocating that the Sabbath be treated like just another day in the week. I am advocating the point that Jesus is making, that petty laws don’t take precedent over acts of mercy.

Jesus responded to the religious leaders accusation by reminding them of King David. It was a well known story at the time. David, while fleeing from Saul, ate of the consecrated bread in the temple, the bread which only the priests were allowed to eat. David and his men were not found to be guilty, because their need was greater than memorial regulations.

Jesus was basically applying to this same line of reason. Human need is more important than petty laws. Therefore, if they were going to condemn Jesus, they must also condemn the actions of King David.

"Why are you doing what is not lawful?"

Let us remember that God gave us the Sabbath so that we might rest. God knew it is in our best interest to rest, to gather to worship, to share in fellowship around His word. When today’s life style is calling you away from the Sabbath, one must ask him or herself, will my actions bring glory and honor to God. Will they show God’s mercy.

The Pharisees got so caught up in the rules, that they neglected to see the needs of Jesus and His disciples. They closed their minds to any exception to the rule. It seems to me today, the pendulum has gone too far in the other direction. We break the Sabbath for the lamest of reasons.

Let us remember God’s intent, the Sabbath was meant for our benefit. When we choose not to observe the Sabbath, God is not hurt, We are . Therefore,

Honor the Sabbath and keep it holy."

You would be wise, to examine your choices on the Sabbath, do they honor God or do you show disrespect to God?

AMEN

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