Matt 12

Matt 12 is the pivotal point of Jesus’ ministry because Israel rejects Jesus as their Messiah. This rejection starts with the conflict between Jesus and the Jews about the Sabbath (vv 1-14). However, the miracles of Jesus are so obvious that people start to realize may be Jesus is the coming Messiah (v. 23). Pharisees who are the leaders of Israel cannot deny Jesus’ miracles, so they deny Jesus’ source of power (v. 24). This sin is so serious that it cannot be forgiven. Because of the official rejection of the king, Jesus starts to use parables in his preaching (chapter 13). Before chapter 12, the kingdom is near. After chapter 12, the kingdom is a mystery.

My sharing: In the Sabbath conflict (1-21), one action can have 2 interpretations. In Jesus’ eye, the disciple is “eating” but in the Pharisees’ eye, they are “working” (vv. 1-2). In Pharisees’ eye, Jesus is healing people like a doctor (v. 10) but in Jesus’ eye, He is doing good (v. 12). When I examine myself, I should examine not only my outward behavior but also my intention.

Comments

Audrey said…
When do the Pharisees first plot to kill Jesus? When (1) Jesus denies their "law" about Sabbath. He said it bruntly,"it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath v.12." (2) When He keeps breaking their "law." First He allows His disciples to pick the grain v.1 and then He says healing, pulling the sheep out of the pit is allowed v.11, 12.They always think they are right to add their little extra laws to the original Mosaic Law. When it is offended they do not give it a second thought. Instead they want to get rid of Jesus who challenge. When we are challege by others do we give it a thought? Or do we get mad and try to just get rid of that person?
April 16, 2007 at 12:50:00 PM CST
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