12:1,2
It was lawful to pick the heads of grains from the edges of the fields (Deut 23:25). However, under Pharisaical rules this was classified as work, and so forbidden. Preparation of food on the Sabbath was indeed forbidden by the Law (Ex 16:22-30; 35:3), but feasting was allowed. So the disciples were only breaking a man-made rule, not a God-given law. A teacher was held responsible for the actions of his followers to some extent, so the Pharisees went to Jesus, asking Him to explain this behaviour. The Sabbath was to be a battleground for many of the conflicts between Jesus and the religious leaders.
12:3,4
“Haven’t you read ..” Jesus often used Scripture in His arguments with the Pharisees, and this would be particularly galling for them, as they prided themselves on their knowledge and adherence to the Scriptures. The incident referred to is recorded in 1 Sam 21:6. Jesus teaches, and presents, a whole different approach to the Law than the Pharisees had. Now one might think this gave licence to ignore God’s commands. This is not so, for we must remember that, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made the demands even stronger! Jesus got to the heart of the matter. He looked at things from a life-giving perspective, not a legalistic life-sapping perspective.
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