Matthew 12:9-14
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.
In today’s passage Jesus continues to challenge the paradigm through which the religious leaders view Sabbath-keeping. Read Matthew 12:9-14 remembering Jesus’ final words in the grain field: “…the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath.”
The Lord of the Sabbath is the one who, when criticized for eating with disreputable tax collectors, quoted the prophet Hosea saying, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do…Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ (Matthew 9:12).”
But rather than be compelled by mercy, these religious leaders are so threatened by Jesus’ radical message that they capitalize on the presence of a disabled man in an attempt to entrap Jesus. They know that if they appeal to Jesus’ mercy, he will act. That is Jesus’ way.
Stop to consider the mercy of Jesus for a moment. There is no religious law, rite or ritual that is so important to Jesus that he will overlook a person in need. His very character is mercy.
Where do you need the mercy and restoration of Jesus in your life today? Picture him noticing you and your need, and then picture him reaching out to restore you. Stay with this image for a while.
Read Matthew 12:9-14 again noticing the extreme reaction of the religious leaders.
It isn’t really the Sabbath about which these leaders are so concerned. It’s the whole system of religious law and tradition that Jesus’ teaching exposes as shaky and empty of meaning. And if the system topples, those who benefit will fall with it.
But Jesus’ concern in this moment is for the person in need standing before him. The law was meant for the good of all people, not just a privileged few.
So visceral is the reaction of the religious leaders to Jesus’ merciful kindness that they begin to plot murder – a grievous offense in their own law and a monumental slap in the face of God in whose image all people are created.
As you near the end of this time of reflection, sit with Jesus’ words from Matthew 9:12. Read them over a few times listening to see if Jesus wants to say something to you through them:
“Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’”
What might Jesus be inviting you to change or do today?
How do you plan to follow through?
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