Matthew Study 13: 11:20-12:21

Dear Student of the Word,

Do you know any religious people? They are usually filled with anger, critical of everything and everyone that does not conform to their image of what service to God should be. This week we study Jesus' responses to His religious critics as they watch Him conduct His ministry. It is hard to imagine sinful men judging the actions of a righteous God, but that is the essence of the religious mind. The rules about following God become more important than God Himself! How bizarre! Yet nothing has changed in 2,000 years. There are still a lot of people who find fault with others. . . and with God.

This week I wrote:

12:9&10 – Jesus was already in trouble for picking grain on the Sabbath, but then He entered the synagogue and was confronted by a man with a physical need. What was Jesus to do? He was already being criticized. Would He back off doing what was right? Would He do right, but do it privately, away from prying eyes and judgmental lips?

Jesus knew that they were looking for a reason to accuse Him, so He gave them a reason! Yet Jesus remained true to His mission, for He turned the confrontation into a teaching lesson, so that anyone who heard could learn, if they chose to do so. Otherwise, they would just take offense again at Jesus’ unorthodox ways.

The question was whether or not it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. That was a legitimate question, but the Pharisees were not looking for an answer. They were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus of wrongdoing. Imagine sinful man judging a sinless God! How bizarre! Yet that is just how the religious mind works, looking for a reason to accuse God and men.

v. 11 – Jesus answered their question with another question that had an obvious answer. Men were allowed to rescue or help their animals on the Sabbath. If that was the case, why not help men on the Sabbath? It makes sense to me reading it 2,000 years later, but it must have infuriated the listeners back then.

v. 12 – Jesus did provide a clear answer to their question and declared it legal to heal and do good on the Sabbath. It is always the right time to do good. Have you put off doing good, finding some religious excuse not to do what was in your power to do? If so, then you need to confront the spirit of the Pharisee in your own heart. Remember what is written:

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"—when you now have it with you. Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you (Proverbs 3:27-29).

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).

What good can you do today, no longer putting it off?

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. You can write them or find the studies to Corinthians, First Timothy and Mark's gospel on the site where this week's entry is posted. You can also go there to sign up to receive each week's study.

Download this week's study: Matthew Study 13.doc