LOVE COMES FIRST

The Pharisees continue to be antagonistic toward Jesus. Today we see them object to the disciples’ plucking ears of grain and rubbing them between their fingers.2 In their view this broke the commandment not to work on the Sabbath, for they counted this activity as reaping and threshing grain. Jesus countered their argument by reminding them that when David fled from Saul he broke religious law too, the law which forbade anyone other than a priest from eating the loaves of bread.3 Scripture records this incident but does not criticize David for his actions, the implication being that appeasing his hunger and that of his men was more important than adhering to the rules.

Jesus argues that in a similar way people’s needs take priority over the Sabbath regulations of the Pharisees: he argues that the Sabbath was created to benefit us, not weigh us down with laws that prevent us from helping others. Indeed, we read elsewhere of how frustrated Jesus got when the Pharisees condemned him for healing on the Sabbath.4

The principle Jesus presents has relevance for more than how we keep the Sabbath. Jesus prioritized the needs of people and refused to let rules, regulations, and traditions get in the way of that. What would Jesus say, for instance, about objections to a food bank in church because it spoils the aesthetics; or opposition to a crèche because it creates noise in the service; or reluctance to create a disabled access because changes will need to be made to much-loved parts of a church building? Can you think of any ways this principle may apply to any decisions in which you are involved? Let’s pray that Jesus’ love for those in need may be the dominating principle in our lives.

Are there any situations known to you where there is conflict or disagreement over a way forward in church? Pray that God’s love and his priorities will prevail.