Scripture

“But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: I want you to show mercy not offer sacrifices.”

Observation

Jesus and His disciples walk through some grain fields on a Sabbath. They begin to break off some heads of grain to eat them, but some Pharisees criticise them for harvesting on the Sabbath.

Jesus points out that the priests work on the Sabbath. It is more important to show mercy than to offer sacrifices.

Application

There is a constant battle in every human heart between the Holy Spirit and the religious spirit.

The Holy Spirit wants sons and daughters to freely celebrate the power and presence of God shown in love and relationship.

The religious spirit demands a joyless conformity to the rules.

The Holy Spirit tells us that we are loved by God.

The religious spirit tells us that God is mad at us, and our only hope is to obey the rules.

Righteousness is not a status to be earned; it is a gift from a holy and loving God.

When Jesus was criticised by some Pharisees for picking grain on the Sabbath, His reply was that God is not so much interested in what we do for Him as in us allowing Him to change our hearts towards Him and others.

Religious law is never about conformity and legalism, but about giving space for our spirits to grow into God.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, please help me to find your way for me. Amen.