This chapter is the pivotal point of the Matthew. Because the religious leaders will not accept Jesus as their Messiah, the Kingdom will not establish at that time. Which sin is the worst sin in God’s eye? Is it murder or adultery? When I read about the Pharisees, I think hypocrisy is a more serious sin in God’s eye. Jesus gives more warnings to Pharisees than to prostitutes and tax collectors. And I think rebellion is even more serious. This is the whole reason why they won’t accept Jesus as their Messiah and credit Jesus’ miracle to Satan.
Mike
When the Pharisees challenge Jesus about the what is unlawful on the Sabbath v.2 Jesus leads their thinking about the question of lawful v.3-8. Lawful or not #1 depends on who you are v.4, e.g. David eating the bread is unlawful but not the priest. #2 It depends on the authority which you are under, e.g. the priests in the temple desecrate the Sabbath, and yet they are innocent v.5. Therefore, Jesus is God and He has the authority as the Lord of the Sabbath is lawful v.7-8. On the other hand,He "desire(s) mercy, not sacrifice v.7. The sacrifice is required by the Law, but the more important thing is to fulfill the requirement of the heart. Jesus asks the Pharisees what is in their heart. If they really have the heart for God they should have recognized that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. Do we also only following the rituals when we come to worship on Sunday or do we have the heart for God?
Audrey
Mike
When the Pharisees challenge Jesus about the what is unlawful on the Sabbath v.2 Jesus leads their thinking about the question of lawful v.3-8. Lawful or not #1 depends on who you are v.4, e.g. David eating the bread is unlawful but not the priest. #2 It depends on the authority which you are under, e.g. the priests in the temple desecrate the Sabbath, and yet they are innocent v.5. Therefore, Jesus is God and He has the authority as the Lord of the Sabbath is lawful v.7-8. On the other hand,He "desire(s) mercy, not sacrifice v.7. The sacrifice is required by the Law, but the more important thing is to fulfill the requirement of the heart. Jesus asks the Pharisees what is in their heart. If they really have the heart for God they should have recognized that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. Do we also only following the rituals when we come to worship on Sunday or do we have the heart for God?
Audrey
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