Matthew 12:1-8
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today Jesus addresses the practice of Sabbath-keeping. Read Matthew 12:1-8 imagining the scene.
In the grain field there is no need for the disciples to refrain from eating or working to remember God. Jesus is there in their midst, and that is reason for feasting – not fasting.
The laws given to Israel through Moses were meant to remind God’s people of God’s presence and God’s holiness and to be a vehicle for God’s people to display the glory of God to the world through blessing. But for many, adherence to the law became more important than the heart and intent of the law, and instead of a means of spreading blessing, the law became a way for those with power to lord it over those without.
It’s good to establish practices and engage in rituals that remind us of the presence of God, but if our practices and rituals don’t help us become more like Jesus, we need to reevaluate.
Stop to consider the religious practices, habits, and rituals in which you engage on a regular basis. How are you becoming more like Jesus through these actions? Share your thoughts about this with Jesus.
Read Matthew 12:1-8 again focusing in on Jesus’ words about mercy and sacrifice.
God was present with humans in the garden, and even after humans rebelled against God’s good and perfect ways, humans were always given a place where they could experience the presence of God. During the years of desert wandering, God’s people could be in God’s presence in the Tabernacle, and after they entered the land of promise, they could come to the temple to experience the presence of God.
When Jesus was born, the presence of God was with whomever was physically near Jesus, and after Jesus’ death and resurrection the Holy Spirit of Jesus became available to anyone who welcomed Jesus and believed in him. And Jesus’ Holy Spirit is continually with all who follow him today.
The Spirit of Jesus gives life and empowers us to be merciful to those around us. Rather than slavish or habitual adherence to empty rituals, our spiritual practices, rituals, and times of rest and remembrance become channels through which Jesus transforms us into agents of blessing and restoration.
As you end this time of meditation, get quiet and center yourself on the presence of Jesus in and around you. Notice any tension you are carrying and offer it up to Jesus allowing his Spirit to bring release. If thoughts come, notice them and let them pass. When you are ready, listen.
What might Jesus want you to change or do in response to today’s passage?
What will you do to follow through on this?
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