For more than 2500 years absolutely nothing is said of the Sabbath.
Then the Sabbath came about in Exodus 16:23, and Nehemiah 9:13-14. At that time it was made a part of the law.
For convenience and the purpose of our study we will occasionally use parts of the outline given by the Scofield Reference Bible. It brakes Chapter twelve down in this way:
Introduction:
This chapter covers:
1. Jesus clearing of the law of the fourth commandment concerning the Sabbath.
a. He vindicates it from some superstitious notions advanced by the Jewish teachers
b. He demonstrates works of necessity and mercy are to be done on that day, Matthew 12:1-13
2. The wisdom, humility, and self-denial of our Lord Jesus in working his miracles, Matthew 12:14-21.
3. Jesus answer to the blasphemous outcries and ravings of the scribes and Pharisees, who claimed that His casting out of devils was some sort of contract with Satan, verses 22-37.
4. Jesus replies to the demand of the scribes and Pharisees, challenging him to show them a sign from heaven, verses 38-45.
5. Jesus judgment about his kindred and relations, verses 46-50.
a. The Jewish teachers had corrupted many of the commandments, by interpreting them more loosely than they were intended; a mistake which Christ discovered and rectified (chapter 5) in his sermon on the mount: but concerning the fourth commandment, they had erred in the other extreme, and interpreted it too strictly.
b. It is common for men of corrupt minds, by their zeal in rituals, and the external services of religion, to think to atone for the looseness of their morals.
c. But they are cursed who add to, as well as they who take from, the words of this book, Revelation 12:16, 19; Proverbs 30:6.
6. What Jesus shows here is that it is more important to be merciful and live an outward example doing good works than to keep a ritual 7th day.
a. The Jews had been teaching the letter of the law with indifference toward mercy, love and works of necessity.
b. Jesus shows here that works of necessity and mercy are lawful on the Sabbath day.
c. The wisdom in Jesus explanation of the fourth commandment was really an end-around concerning the teaching, meaning and purpose of the law.
d. Jesus would not approve of a law that was about to expire.
e. Jesus declares himself as Lord of the Sabbath and doubtlessly intended in this exchange to settle a point which would be of use to his church in all ages.
f. Jesus also used this occasion to teach us, that our Christian Sabbath, though under the direction of the fourth commandment, is not under the injunctions of the Jewish elders.
7. Jesus uses two different occasions happening at different places and times to nail down a new reality of how God intended to settle once and for all the misgivings that had crept into His relationship with His creation.
A. Jesus Gives His Approval for His Disciples Harvesting Corn on the Sabbath Day.
1. He shows here that works of necessity are lawful on that, or any other day. Now here observe:
a. What it was that the disciples did. They were following their Master one Sabbath day through a corn-field
b. It is likely they were going to the synagogue (verse 9). They were not out for a stroll on that day.
c. No doubt they were hungry.
d. It may have been that they were so intent in a day of worship that they forgot to eat before they left for the synagogue
e. Note, God has many ways of bringing suitable provision to his people when they need it, and will take particular care of them when they are going to the synagogue, as of old for them that went up to Jerusalem to worship. Being in the corn-fields, they began to pluck the ears of corn; the law of God allowed this (Deut. 23:25)
f. This was not an extravagant meal for Christ and his disciples, it was the best they had, and they were content with it.
B. Jesus declares himself Lord of the Sabbath: Matthew 12:1-8
1. The Sabbath appears in scripture and the day of God's rest in the finished work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3) For 2500 years of human existence there had been no other occasion where it was mentioned. Then the Sabbath was placed into the law. (Ex 16:23; Neh 9:13-14) and made official in Exodus 20:8-11.
a. It was as well invested with the identification as a "sign" between Jehovah and Israel.
b. It was to be a continuos reminder to Israel of their separation to God. Exodus 31:13-17
c. It was observed by complete rest.
Exodus 35:2-3
d. By Jehovah's express order a man was put to death for gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. Numbers 15:32-36
e. Only the priests were allowed to work in the keeping the continuous burnt offering stoked. Number 28:9.
f. NOTE: The 7th day Sabbath was never made a day of sacrifice, worship, or any other sort of established religious service.
g. It was solely purposed as a day of complete rest for man and beast, a humane provision for man's needs. In Jesus words, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27.
2. Why were the Pharisees so exercised concerning this event? Jesus obviously found that the observance of the day was overwhelmed with rabbinical evasions. (Matthew 12:2). There were restrictions piled on several times over with provisions that were not even related to the law itself.
a. It was but a dry breakfast
b. Yet the Pharisees would not even let them eat that in peace.
c. They did not accuse Jesus and the disciples of theft.
d. The Pharisees were not known for actively perusing justice concerning anything else.
e. Plucking and rubbing the ears of corn of that day was expressly forbidden by the tradition of the elders
it was a kind of reaping.
1) It is no new thing for the most harmless and innocent actions of Christ's disciples to be evil spoken of, and reflected upon as unlawful, especially by those who are zealous for their own inventions and impositions.
2) The Pharisees complained of them to their Master for doing that which it was not lawful to do.
3) Note, Those are no friends to Christ and his disciples, who make that to be unlawful which God has not made to be so.
3. What was Jesus answer to this complaint of the Pharisees.
a. The disciples couldn't say anything in their own defense.
b. The strictness of the Sabbath sanctification was on the side of the Pharisees
c. Jesus came to free his followers, not only from the corruptions of the Pharisees, but from their unscriptural impositions, and therefore has something to say for his disciples
d. Jesus justifies what they did, though it was a transgression of the canon.
1) He justifies them by precedents, which were agreed to be proper by the Pharisees themselves.
a. He reminds them of an ancient instance of David, who in a case of necessity did that which otherwise he ought not to have done (verse 3, 4); "Have ye not read the story (1 Sam. 21:6) of David's eating the show-bread, which by the law was appropriated to the priest?" (Lev. 24:5-9). It is most holy to Aaron and his sons; and (Exod. 24:33) a stranger shall not eat of it; yet the priest gave it to David and his men; for though the exception of a case of necessity was not expressed, yet it was implied in that and all other ritual institutions.
b. David didn't demand the show-bread because he was King He was hungry. (Uzziah, that invaded the priest's office in the pride of his heart, though a king, was struck with a leprosy for it, 2 Chron. 26:16f)
c. "The greatest shall not have their lusts indulged, but the meanest shall have their wants considered." Matthew Henry
d. Hunger is a natural desire which must be satisfied, one has to eat. It will break through stone walls.
e. We see once more that the Lord is an advocate for the body
Note, There are some things that may be done in a case of emergency or need which may not be done at another time
f. A Thief is despised unless what he takes is to provide needed food for himself or family. Prov. 6:30.
4. Jesus said, "In this place is one greater than the temple," verse 6.
a. If the temple-service would justify what the priests did in their ministration, the service of Jesus would much more justify the disciples in what they did in their attendance upon him.
b. The Jews had an extreme view of the importance of the temple: it sanctified the gold
c. Stephen was accused for blaspheming that holy place (Acts 6:13); but Jesus, in a corn-field, was greater than the temple, for in him dwelt not the presence of God symbolically, but all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
d. If whatever we do, we do it in the name of Christ, and as unto him, it shall be graciously accepted of God, however it may be censured by men.
e. It is interesting to point out here that the Sabbath will again be observed during the kingdom age. Isaiah 66:23.
5. The Christian first day is in effect during the age, or dispensation, of grace. It is so on the principle that one-seventh of time is especially sacred.
a. One is the seventh day, the other is the first Christ's resurrection.
b. On the seventh day God rested
c. On the first day Christ arose from the dead
- The Sabbath commemorates a finished creation
- The first day commemorates a finished redemption
- The Sabbath was a day of legal obligation
- The first day one of voluntary worship and service
- The Sabbath day is mentioned in the Acts only in connection with the Jews, and in the rest of the New Testament only two times. (Col. 2:16; Heb. 4:4).
I have long held to, and continue to this day, see the Bible as a masterpiece of numbers sequenced and therefore in tune with all of creation. God seemed to take care in everything He did to do it in an orderly fashion even noting the hours, days and years and there is a rhythm or method revealed in all that the Creator does. The teaching of dispensations or doctrine of dispensations cannot in this writer's mind be ignored. By a Dispensation we mean:
1. A period of time during which man is tested in respect of obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God.
2. There are seven such dispensations distinguishable in Scripture.
6. It is highly significant in allegory here that Jesus would pose, "What David did." The points to the time of his rejection and persecution by Saul (2 Sam 21:6). Jesus is here not so much rejected Savior as he was the rejected King. This is cause for Jesus to reference David.
7. God will have mercy and not sacrifice, verse 7.
a. Ceremonial duties must give way to moral, and the natural, royal law of love and self-preservation must take place of ritual observances. This is quoted from Hos. 6:6.
b. It was used before, chapter 9:13, in vindication of mercy to the souls of men; here, of mercy to their bodies.
c. The rest of the Sabbath was ordained for man's good, in favor of the body, Deut. 5:14.
d. Now no law must be construed so as to contradict its own end. If you had known what this means, had known what it is to be of a merciful disposition, you would have been sorry that they were forced to do this to satisfy their hunger, and would not have condemned the guiltless.
1) Note, First, Ignorance is the cause of our rash and uncharitable censures of our brethren.
2) Secondly, It is not enough for us to know the scriptures, but we must labor to know the meaning of them. Let him that readeth understand.
3) Thirdly, Ignorance of the meaning of the scripture is especially shameful in those who take upon them to teach others.
8. The Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day, verse 8.
a. That law, as all the rest, is put into the hand of Jesus, to be altered, enforced, or dispensed with, as he sees fit.
b. God made the world with Jesus at his side, and by Him God instituted the Sabbath in innocency
c. By Him God gave the ten commandments at mount Sinai
d. And as Mediator Jesus is entrusted with the institution of ordinances, and to make any changes He thought fit
e. And particularly, as being Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus was authorized to make any alteration of he wished indeed, the Sabbath would soon become changed and become known as the Lord's day, the Lord Jesus Christ's day
f. And if Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath, it is only fitting that the day and all the work done on it should be dedicated to Him
g. By virtue of this power Jesus here enacts, that good works are lawful on the Sabbath day
h. And this explication of the law plainly shows that it was to be perpetual. (Exceptio firmat regulam) The exception confirms the rule.
C. Jesus Silences The Critics And Gets Away. Verse 9
1. Christ having thus silenced the Pharisees, and got clear of them (verse 9)
2. He departed, and went into their synagogue, the synagogue of these same Pharisees
a) The very synagogue in which they presided
b) That is where He and the disciples were heading when this incident happened
1) We must take notice not to let any thing divert us from God's will in our lives
2) We must proceed to do that which God calls us to do, regardless of what Satan would do to prevent us from serving Christ.
3) We must not, for the sake of private feuds allow such to keep us from public worship.
- Though the Pharisees had maliciously attacked Christ, he still went into their synagogue.
- Satan only gains ground if, by sowing discord among brethren, he is able to drive them from the synagogue and the communion of the faithful.
D. Christ Shows That Works Of Mercy Are Lawful Any Time and Any Place verse 10
1. Jesus, by healing the man that had the withered hand on the Sabbath day, shows that works of mercy are lawful to be done on that day.
a. The work of necessity was done by the disciples, and justified by Jesus
b. The work of mercy was done by himself
1) This work of mercy was part and parcel of what Jesus came to earth to do. It was simply necessary.
2) I must preach, says he, Luke 4:43. This cure was only noticed because of when Jesus did it on the Sabbath.
c. Notice first the affliction that this poor man had
- his hand was withered so that he was prevented from making a living.
- St. Jerome says, that "the gospel of Matthew in Hebrew, used by the Nazarenes and Ebionites, adds this circumstance to this story of the man with the withered hand, that he was Cζmentarius a bricklayer, and applied himself to Christ thus; "Lord, I am a bricklayer, and have got my living by my labor (manibus victum quζritans); I beseech thee, O Jesus, restore me the use of my hand, that I may not be obliged to beg my bread" (ne turpiter mendicem cibos). Hieron. in loc."
- This poor man was in the synagogue.
- Note, Those who work hard for their own welfare don't have a lot to offer the world.
- Those that are so disabled must work so much harder for themselves than the average man.
2. You can hear the overtones of sarcasm in the
question as ask by the Pharisees.
a. They asked him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal?"
b. This would appear to be more of a statement than a question.
c. There is no record here wether or not the man ask for the attention of Jesus.
d. The Pharisees not doubt noticed though that Jesus saw the man and by appearance they must have felt smug in knowing that a trap was about to be sprung again.
e. The news certainly had spread about that Jesus would react to the needs of this man and provide the healing
d. In an evil way they likely anticipated Jesus actions.
e. Most likely this case was placed in front of Jesus as a stumbling-block.
f. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath-day?
g. The books of the law would even be confusing if Jesus were a licensed physician.
- In that it was so questionable one would think that not much would be made of it.
- it was apparently lawful for prophets to heal
- Jesus knew he had the divine power to heal no question about it.
- out of the goodness of His heart He had to heal the man. On the other-hand, Jesus didn't have to do anything He did so because he could.
- One wonders, did ever any ask, whether it is lawful for God to heal, to send his word and heal?
- It is true, Jesus, in his humanity, was now made under the law, by a voluntary submission to it,
- However, He was never bound under the whims of the elders or Pharisees.
h. Can you heal him? they asked here, not that they might be instructed by Jesus, but that they might accuse him.
i. What all of this boiled down to is this: If he were to answer that it wasn't lawful to heal on the Sabbath, then they would bring him to task over his affirmation of His disciples harvesting corn on the same day. A quandary at the least.
3. Jesus' answer to this was by way of an appeal to them and their own opinion and practice, verse 11, 12.
a. In case a sheep (which the loss of one would not be so great) should fall into a pit on the Sabbath day, would they not lift it out?
b. There was no doubt they would the fourth commandment allowed that
c. They would, for a merciful man looks after the life of his animals.
d. There would be no way that they would chance losing a sheep
e. Does Christ take care for sheep? Yes he does. He preserves and provides for both man and beast. But here he says it for our sakes (1 Cor. 9:9-10)
f. So, Jesus argues, How much then is a man better than a sheep? Sheep are not only harmless but useful creatures They are prized and looked after accordingly; yet a human life preferred far more than them.
g. Note: Man, in respect of his being, is worth a great deal more valuable than the best of the animals
1) man can reason
2) capable of knowing, loving, and glorifying God, and therefore is better than a sheep.
3) The sacrifice of a sheep could therefore not atone for the sin of a soul.
4) It is in this way that Jesus was able to teach an important truth.
5) In a very reasonable way Jesus laid out a new truth in relation to an old law. He showed them that it is indeed lawful to do good things on the Sabbath.
6) They had ask Him, Is it lawful? And with wisdom Jesus demonstrated that it was.
7) Is healing a withered hand a good thing? If the answer is yes! Then what He did was a good thing.
8) During all of this Jesus knew that the Pharisees would hold it against him regardless of how he answered them. Verse 13.
9) And again, to conclude the Pharisees by observing the miraculous miracle of healing, and had witnessed the power of the Son of God. Had they, much like the Pharaoh of Egypt, not hardened their hearts against Him, Jesus could by a word healed their spiritually sin sick souls. Instead, Jesus "withdrew himself." He could have called 10,000 angles against them had He had a mind to do so. It is doubtful that even that would have changed their hearts.
- The religious leaders saw the man with the withered hand as a test case as best; it is more likely that they saw the man as bait for a Sabbath controversy trap for Jesus (verse 10).
- Jesus exposes their hypocrisy by showing their greater concern for their own possessions than for a man in need, arguing persuasively that it can't be wrong to do good on the Sabbath (Verse 12) - then He compassionately heals the man.
- In verse 13, when Jesus commanded the man to stretch out your hand, He commanded the man to do something impossible in his current condition - but Jesus never gives a command without giving the ability to fulfill it, and the man put forth the effort and was healed.
- In response to this display of compassion, power, and wisdom, the Pharisees (verse 14), in the hardness of their hearts, respond not in reverent worship and submission, but in hardened, murderous rejection.
10) Sabbath Day - Keep it?
- Sabbath day issue: There are those who are really hung up on this issue. We need to realize that we are not saved by the days we keep; we are saved by the Lord we keep. That which we do is done as an act of worship, not as a prerequisite to our access to the throne of
- Grace. Our access is through the completed work of Jesus Christ who did keep the Sabbath day for you and I. (Despite some of these amusing episodes) This doesn't mean that God won't honor you if you choose to honor the Sabbath day as a day of worship. Just recognize why you are doing it, don't make it a legalistic thing.
E. Jesus And The Multitudes Verses 15-21
1. Location: The Sea of Tiberias (Cf. Mark 3:7-12)
a. In spite of the rejection of the religious leaders, Jesus is still beloved of the people and God's chosen servant.
1) The King, God's Chosen Servant (verses 15-21)
a) For a time, The King withdraws Himself somewhat from public ministry as the opposition rises against Him
- not out of cowardice
- in respect to the Father's timing
- for the culmination of His ministry.
b. The quotation from Isaiah 42:1-4 also speaks of the gentle character of the Messiah
1) if a reed is broken, He will not break it
2) if He sees even the smallest spark in a man, he will not quench it
3) but He will gently fan it into flame, or bring it to life (i.e., Ezekiel and the dry bones)
c. Finally, the quotation from Isaiah 42:1-4 also speaks of the ultimate ministry of The King to the Gentiles
d. This would obviously be something of a surprise (perhaps offensive) to Matthew's Jewish readers, but obviously a fulfillment of Scripture!
e. Most significantly perhaps is the fact that the rejected King turns to the Gentiles
F. One With A Demon Healed Verses 22-30
1. The Pharisees Blaspheme (Cf. Mark 3:22-30; Luke 11:14-23)
a. Again, Jesus displays His complete power and authority over demons, casting out
demons that the traditions of the day considered impossible.
b. The crowds react with Messianic expectation, but the religious leaders respond by
attributing Jesus' power to the prince of demons.
2. Demon Possession - Blind and Dumb (verse 22)
a. In Judaism, there were procedures for exorcism, but in the procedures they required the demon to identify himself. Thus, if it was the type of demon that had struck this guy dumb, there was no way to exorcize him (as one could not get him to identify himself). In this case, this exorcism was recognized as unusual.
b. Jesus answers the accusation that He operates by Satan's power (verse 28)
3. The King Gives His Proclamation (verse 30)
a. You divide the Kingdom with your "thoughts" (v.25)
1) Would Satan cast out Satan? (v. 25)
- - Such would "not stand." (verse 25)
- -Only the Kingdom (Spirit of God) by the King can or will cast out devils (verse 28)
- -The Cross affected it
2) The King warns that " He that is not with me is against me ." verse 30
a) Jesus declares His authority to bind Satan's power (verse 28)
1) In so doing, He presents a valuable principle in spiritual warfare (verse 26)
- remembering that Jesus gives us the permission to use His name and blood (authority) (verse 28)
- and in doing so, the King is giving us the "strength" we may need in binding the strong man. (verse 29)
b)Jesus reveals the desperate place of those who could be hardened enough to attribute His workings to satanic power
4. In Review we see that The King leaves no door open in this matter
a. First, He removes illusions about any possible "neutral ground" in regard to His ministry
1) if you aren't for The King, you are against Him.
5) The King solemnly warns the religious leaders against rejecting Him
5. How can one know if they have in fact blasphemed the Holy Spirit?
a. The fact that one desires Jesus at all shows that they are not guilty of this sin
b. Continued rejection of Jesus makes us more hardened against Him.
G. The Unpardonable Sin Verses 31-32
1. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict you of sin, and your need for a savior.
2.While Satan tries to condemn you for your sins.
3. Read Romans 8:1. How does one tell if it is conviction from the Holy Spirit or condemnation from Satan?
a. Is what is happening drawing you closer to or away from God?
b. If your feeling of remorse for your sin is drawing you into God's Word, than that is the Holy Spirit.
c. If the feelings, attitudes, thoughts and doubts over the issue, cause you to shun the Word, that is Satan trying to get you on a guilt trip.
4. If you are worried about having committed the unpardonable sin, you are not guilty! Romans 8:1
5. The Pharisees words betray the depravity of their hearts
H. Destiny In Words Verses 33-37
1. The bad fruit of their words (condemning Jesus) betrays the bad fruit in their hearts
2. If they got their hearts right with God, their words would get right also.
a. Is Jesus making too much of mere words?
- Absolutely not! It is by our words that we will be judged.
b. Blasphemy against the Son of Man is not the problem (while it is still a sin).
c. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that is unforgivable.
d. The scribes and Pharisees request a sign from Jesus (verse 38)
e. Jesus responds to the request from the scribes and Pharisees (verse 37 & verse 39)
I. The Sign of The Prophet Jonas Verses 38-42
1. A Sign? (v. 38)
a. Their desire to see a sign expresses really another way in which they hoped to reject The King. (verse 38)
b. Had the King provided a sign, they would find some way to speak against Him
c. This was an attempt at "proving" to themselves that Jesus is who they already think He is
2. Jesus condemns their seeking after a sign (verse 39)
a. When countless signs are happening right in front of their faces (See miracles)
1) Unfortunately, many today want to cater to our own evil and adulterous generation and their desire for "a sign"
2) Jesus assures them of a sign
3) The only sign they get is the sign of the resurrected King (verse 40)
3. Jesus announces the condemnation of the religious leaders at the hands of the Ninevites and the Queen of the South.
a. Sign of the Prophet Jonah (verse 38)
1)They have just seen a leper healed
2) Two blind men healed
3) A demoniac haled, and more etc.
4) All these healings and more! And they still want a sign!
4. The King Authenticates the Book of Jonah!
1) The prophet Jonah wrote the book, and not just a myth, a real story.
2) "Heart of the earth: - where is Hades, Sheol, ghenna?
a) The King points out that Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the whale
b) So shall The King spend three days and three nights in the belly of the earth.
c) He is referring to the grave, from Hades, in the center of the earth.
d) While Ghenna is in the outer darkness, permanent.
e) Hades was temporary place.
- The Abusso was probably the center of Hades
- There is a gulf between the good half and bad half of Hades, see Luke 16
- Abraham's bosom is the good side of Hades.
- The Abusso has no bottom
- The only place on earth with no bottom is the center of the earth.
J. Self-Reformation (Cf. Luke 11:24-26)
1. These group of verses end with the daunting warning that when one tries to change one's self (verse 45b) the end result is failure. ". . . the last state of that man is worse than the first." The present generation is about doing just that. They seek a more appealing and pretty way of worshiping the King. They draw great crowds -- then end is but the same. An empty house and a forsaken heart.
verses 43-45
a. The greater the light one has received, the greater judgment one will be subjected to
b. These groups responded in repentance to lesser light
c. How can these religious leaders defend their rejection of a greater light?
2. The dangerous consequences of their rejection of Jesus (verse 45)
K. New Relationships Verses 46-50; (Cf. Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21.)
1. Jesus grants us an important insight into the world of demons
a. Apparently, they (or some of them) desire a human host
b. They look for such among those who have "unfilled houses".
c. How important it is that we be filled with the Spirit of Jesus
d. As He fills us, we cannot be filled with any unclean spirit.
2. Here Jesus identifies His true family (vs. 46-50)
a. Jesus' Mother and Brothers (verse 47)
b. Mary had no special favors with Jesus, then or now
1) Mary stands as a wonderful example of someone who was privileged by God and stood by Jesus (cf. Mark 3:31-35)
2) This, however, is not on a higher plain that that of one who does the will of "My Father in heaven." (verse 50)
c. Jesus had brothers and sisters.
d. Jesus was saying that His circle, His allegiance, was to His family of faith. (See Note Page 1098_1
e. These beloved ones who do the will of God stand in contrast to the evil and
adulterous generation represented by the Pharisees.
Next: The Kingom, Matthew 13:1-50
NOTE: Chapter under construction
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