At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, "Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath."
—Matthew 12:1-2 NLT
Legal loop holes are one thing, but a political and legal pothole is another. The Pharisees were looking to harm Jesus and hurt his growing ministry. They were looking for a political issue to damage Jesus' popularity, and they were looking for a religious noose so they can hang him on some theological issue. Jesus lived all of his life under public scrutiny. In many ways, most of us do, too. So let's live our lives in a way that honors Christ's example of character that was unwavering even in the face of unjust criticism such as that in today's verses.
O Lord Almighty, as I live my life before others in witness to your mercy and grace, forgive me when my example is not what it should be and mature me to be more like Jesus in my personal and public life. In the Lord Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 12:1-2 NLT
Key Thought
Legal loop holes are one thing, but a political and legal pothole is another. The Pharisees were looking to harm Jesus and hurt his growing ministry. They were looking for a political issue to damage Jesus' popularity, and they were looking for a religious noose so they can hang him on some theological issue. Jesus lived all of his life under public scrutiny. In many ways, most of us do, too. So let's live our lives in a way that honors Christ's example of character that was unwavering even in the face of unjust criticism such as that in today's verses.
Today's Prayer
O Lord Almighty, as I live my life before others in witness to your mercy and grace, forgive me when my example is not what it should be and mature me to be more like Jesus in my personal and public life. In the Lord Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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