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Quick to Accuse

Matthew 12:1-4
At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some ears of corn and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, 'Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.' He answered, 'Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 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. (NIVUK)

Jesus was a problem to the religious authorities. He did not fit into their mould or play their religious games. The Pharisees believed that they had a prefect understanding of (what we know as) the Old Testament and therefore had the right to condemn 'law-breakers'. They were proud and self-important, unable to keep the law themselves, but making up new rules and keeping people away from the grace of God (Luke 11:52). So the Pharisees were always looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, ridicule Him and eventually bring Him to execution.
 
On the Sabbath, the disciples were going through a cornfield and plucked some ears of wheat. That was specifically allowed in the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 23:25). For the disciples it was eating a little snack because they were hungry, but the Pharisees considered that they were 'working' on the Sabbath; reaping and milling as they took the corn and rubbed the husks off the grain. So they accused Jesus for allowing his disciples to 'break God's law'.
 
Jesus responded by challenging their knowledge of Scripture. In 1 Samuel 21:1-6 King David and his fighting men were hungry and the priest gave them consecrated bread to eat. Although the bread was holy to the Lord (and only to be eaten by the priests), it was right to give it to the starving troops. So Jesus pointed out the weakness of the accusation against Him. They knew the Law, and made up extra clauses to burden the people, but they did not understand the purpose of the Law.
 
Legalism is still a problem in the church of Jesus Christ. It afflicts proud and arrogant believers who like to make up extra rules to prove their own piety or control other people. But the truth of God's Word is not intended to shackle the believer, it is designed to set them free to serve the Lord (John 8:32). Instead of being quick to accuse, the truth teaches us to forgive. Instead of condemning others and exalting ourselves, the way of Christ is to humble ourselves and exalt others (Romans 12:3). The problem with self-righteous accusation is that it soon becomes a habit. Deal with it - before you spoil the grace of God in your own life and everybody else's!

Prayer 
Righteous Father. Thank You for providing all I need, and for Your Word which teaches me how to use Your gifts in a way which pleases You. I repent of the habit of criticism and for failing to understand how You are working in the people around me. Please give me a humble heart, quick to listen, eager to understand and slow to condemn. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams