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Jesus’ growing conflict with the Pharisees came to a head when they accused His disciples of breaking Sabbath laws by picking grain (vv. 1–2). Jesus reminded them of David eating the bread of the Presence (vv. 3–4; 1 Sam. 21:1–6) and how the priests work on the Sabbath without guilt (v. 5), declaring that “something greater than the temple is here” (v. 6). He affirmed that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath (v. 8) and showed the heart of the law by healing a man’s withered hand, proving it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath (vv. 9–13). Knowing they planned to destroy Him (v. 14), Jesus withdrew, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of the gentle Servant who brings hope to the nations (vv. 15–21; Isa. 42:1–4). When the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by Satan’s power (vv. 22–24), Jesus pointed out that a divided kingdom cannot stand, declaring that His works by the Spirit proved the kingdom of God had come (vv. 25–28). He warned that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—persistently rejecting His work—would never be forgiven (vv. 31–32), and that words reveal the heart and will be judged (vv. 33–37).
The Pharisees demanded a sign, but Jesus offered only the “sign of Jonah”—His death and resurrection (vv. 38–40). He warned that Gentiles like the Ninevites and the queen of the South would condemn this generation for rejecting One greater than Jonah and Solomon (vv. 41–42). Using the picture of an unclean spirit returning with more spirits, He showed that rejecting Him leaves a person worse off than before (vv. 43–45). When told His mother and brothers were outside, Jesus redefined family as those who do the will of His Father (vv. 46–50).
🌀 Reflection: In this chapter, Jesus shows that following Him is about more than keeping rules—it’s about knowing Him as Lord and living in step with His Spirit. Where do you need to shift from religious routine to a living relationship with Him?
💬 Mission Challenge: Look for a practical way to “do good” for someone today, even if it interrupts your schedule, just as Jesus did on the Sabbath.
Just Keith Harris 
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