Something Greater Is Here
Matthew 12:1-14
I. Background/Context
• escalating opposition to Jesus and His ministry (12:1-50)
• followed by fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (15-21), charge of blasphemy against the Spirit (22-32), certainty of judgment (32-37) and sign of Jonah (38-42)
• The Sabbath and the Pharisees
• followed by fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (15-21), charge of blasphemy against the Spirit (22-32), certainty of judgment (32-37) and sign of Jonah (38-42)
• The Sabbath and the Pharisees
II. Jesus Defends Sabbath Grain-Plucking 1-8
• action of the disciples (Deut. 23:25) and objection of Pharisees (Ex. 34:21)
• Jesus cites the examples of David (1 Sam. 21:1-9) and temple priests (Lev. 24:8-9)
• argument from lesser to greater and prophetic reference (Hos. 6:6)
• significance of “Son of Man” designation
• Jesus cites the examples of David (1 Sam. 21:1-9) and temple priests (Lev. 24:8-9)
• argument from lesser to greater and prophetic reference (Hos. 6:6)
• significance of “Son of Man” designation
III. Jesus Defends Sabbath Paralyzed Hand-Healing 9-14
• a shriveled hand in the synagogue on the same day
• Pharisaical inquiry for the purpose of accusation and the counter-question of Jesus
• another argument from lesser to greater
• response to kindness: conspiring rather than rejoicing
• Pharisaical inquiry for the purpose of accusation and the counter-question of Jesus
• another argument from lesser to greater
• response to kindness: conspiring rather than rejoicing
IV. So What?
• Knowing the superiority of Jesus over every individual and institution, recognize His authority and relay His mercy.
• “Legalism is always nailing a sign to the cross that says ‘necessary, but not enough.’”
• “Without Thy sweet mercy I could not live here; sin would reduce me to utter despair; But, through Thy free goodness, my spirits revive, And He that first made me still keeps me alive.” (Stocker, “Thy Mercy My God”)
• “Legalism is always nailing a sign to the cross that says ‘necessary, but not enough.’”
• “Without Thy sweet mercy I could not live here; sin would reduce me to utter despair; But, through Thy free goodness, my spirits revive, And He that first made me still keeps me alive.” (Stocker, “Thy Mercy My God”)