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1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

3 He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? 6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

 

When faced with difficult problems it’s tempting to want to solve them with simple prescriptions, many of which can be legalistic. For example, some people believe certain acts of penance can buy God’s good will. Others believe in a karma-based economy where their good and bad works are paid back in kind by the universe. This simple thinking can lead to disappointment and opposes the loving heart of God. In these verses, Jesus encourages us to live our lives from the vantage point of love and grace. This leads towards acts of love done in the name of gratitude and not servitude. The mercy shown to us will be easy to extend to others.

Allison Montgomery

Yes5olias1@yahoo.com

 

Prayer Concern – Those struggling with legalism, that they would find more peace and hope in His love.

Alternate verses: Hosea 14:1-9 and Psalm 40: 1-8