Matthew 12:1-14 - Sabbath Controversies

12:1-14

The Sabbath was the focus of many of the disputes between Jesus and the Pharisees. That the Sabbath was important is beyond doubt, it features in the ten commandments, and figures in several prophetic announcements.However the Pharisees had completely missed the point and had surrounded it with a myriad of regulations. Jesus understood the Law better than they did. The disciples were picking ears of grain from the edge of fields, now this was allowed under the Law, but they were doing this on the Sabbath, which was what offended the Pharisees, or gave them an excuse to get Jesus, or so they thought. So they tell Jesus that His disciples are breaking the Law. Jesus points them to the incident in Samuel when David and his companions ate the consecrated bed. The Pharisees were oblivious to what was really happening, they did not realise that the Messiah was here. Their general approach to the Law was also completely wrong, mercy, not sacrifice, was the pivotal point, and mercy was not the Pharisee’s strong point. Jesus also declares that he was Lord of the Sabbath.

A second incident arises almost immediately. Jesus came across a man with a shrivelled hand, the Pharisees saw another chance to “get” Jesus. But again Jesus points to the Law, it was explicitly stated that a sheep could be rescued on the Sabbath, so it was definitely right to rescue a man, It was lawful to do good on the Sabbath. So Jesus healed the man. The Pharisees responded in typical manner by plotting to kill Jesus.

Matthew 11:16-30 - God's choice

11:16-19

Jesus then gives judgement on the people. The people are obtuse, they complained about John because he was so austere, saying he had a demon, then they complained about Jesus eating and drinking, saying he was a “glutton and a drunkard”, and “a friend of tax collectors and sinners”. We should be glad that He was a friend of tax collectors and sinners, because then he might be a friend of ours. “Wisdom is proved right by her deeds”, the results will show that Jesus is right.

11:20-24

It wasn't just that the people were wrong, there is now judgement on  chorazin and Bethsaida. If Tyre and Sidon (area named in the prophets) had seen the miracles they would have repented. Some people can poo-poo miracles, but in the gospels they are seen as a legitimate proof of the reality of Jesus, they are seen as a reason that we should believe. Capernaum is also rebuked, being told they are worse than Sodom.

11:25-30

The religious leaders and Pharisees had a high opinion of themselves, but the gospel has been revealed to “the little children” i.e. to the humble and those considered to be of little account. We should expect the rejected to receive the gospel, because God chooses to reveal it to them. Jesus makes claims about himself, He is the only way to the Father. Then He calls  the weary and burdened, He will give us rest. The religious types laid burdens on people, Jesus gives us rest for our souls.

Matthew 11:7-15 - Listen!

11:7-15

Jesus then speaks to the crowds. People can be fickle, and they need to realise what they are thinking , why they are thinking it, and to get their ideas sorted out. Why were they interested in John? Was it to see a reed swayed by the wind, i.e. someone with no convictions of their own (like so many politicians). Was it to see a rich man? Or was it to see a prophet? They did recognise that John was somehow or other speaking God’s word. Jesus tells them that John was more than a prophet, he was fulfilling the words of Malachi 3:1. But John was great, but was only the messenger, what and who he was pointing to was what really mattered. The people needed to decide their own attitude to Jesus and the Kingdom of God.The miracles and the healings showed that the kingdom was advancing forcibly. Jesus identifies John with Elijah who was spoken of in Malachi. These days were crucial and people needed to listen.

Matthew 11:1-6 - Hold fast to the faith

11:1-6

Teaching was a key aspect of Jesus’ ministry, so after instructing the twelve disciples He went on to teach the people.. The people knew about John the Baptist, indeed John had been popular among the people. John was now in prison, and sent his disciples to inquire of Jesus if He indeed was the Messiah. John must have expected a more immediate and dramatic change when the Messiah came.

Jesus' reply was to point to what He was doing, what do they see and hear? They see the blind receiving sight, the lame walking, the lepers being cleansed, the deaf hearing, the dead being raised. Jesus then gives John what is a botha mild rebuke and an encouragement, “blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me”, John is encouraged to hold fast to his faith,a

Matthew 20:37-42 - Putting Christ above all

10:37-39

We must love Jesus more than our own family. Following Jesus means taking up our cross, being prepared to be utterly rejected by the world. Saving our life means we will lose it, losing it for Christ’s sake means we will find it.

10:40-42

If people welcome us as Christ’s disciples means they welcome Jesus. Helping Christ’s disciples, even in the smallest way, is very important. Our attitude towards Christ is vital.

Matthew 10:24-36 - Be realistic

10:24-31

Jesus suffered opposition, so the disciples would suffer opposition. Jesus was accused of being Beelzebub, so would the disciples. Do not be afraid is the command on how to respond to persecution. Eventually everything will be brought out into the open. We are to openly proclaim the gospel, the natural temptation is to keep things secret because of fear, but we must resist this. They can only kill the body, we should have more regard for the one who “can destroy both body and soul in hell”. Then we are reminded that we are precious to God. So here we see the importance of having a proper fear concern, and knowing that God cares for us.

10:32-36

We should be concerned about Jesus acknowledging us before God. How wonderful if we hear Him say, “He is mine, I know him”, how terrible if we hear him say “I never knew him”. 

The naive religious type has a totally unrealistic view of life,  and thinks Jesus is all about being “nice”. These verses give the lie to such unthinking notions. We need to be prepared to lose our life.

Matthew 10:16-25 - Opposition

10:16-20

Jesus does not have any illusions about the situation they are going into, they are being sent out like sheep among wolves. They are not to be naive, but as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as wolves. They would face persecutions, the promise is not that they will not face these things, but that the spirit would speak through them.

10:21-23

The warnings continue, there is no sugar coating. They would face opposition even from their own families. When persecution happens they were to flee. 10:23 is somewhat enigmatic. It could refer to the second coming, but that does not seem to fit the facts. Others take is as referring to AD 70 when Rome crushed Jerusalem.

10:24,25

Jesus suffered opposition, so the disciples would suffer opposition. Jesus was accused of being Beelzebub, so would the disciples.