Matthew 12  As Matthew records the words and actions of the Lord, he is proclaiming the superiority and the authority that He has, which also reveals His deity.

In verses 1-21 Jesus reveals Himself as the "Lord of the Sabbath".   The Law of God clearly taught that the Sabbath was to be kept holy.  There was to be rest on the Sabbath.   In Exodus 31: 13 the Lord told Moses to tell Israel, " You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you."  It was a gift to Israel.  "So the sons of Israel shall observe the Sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath..."  The sabbath was to remind Israel that the Lord created the earth in 6 days and rested from that work on the 7th day.  It was a sign of their relationship with their God, Yahweh.

The Jews in Jesus' day had forgotten the real meaning and purpose of the sabbath.
Instead of celebrating, they were criticizing.
Instead of resting, they were were condemning.
Instead of remembering the greatness of the Creator, they were proclaiming their own positions.
Instead of setting it apart as a holy, consecrated day to worship God, they were enforcing their own opinions.

Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath,  did not condemn his disciples for taking grain and eating it.
He did not allow the man with the withered hand to suffer one moment more.
He freed the demon-possessed man so that he could see and speak.
He healed all who came to Him.

" But if you had known what this means, ' I desire compassion and not a sacrifice' you would not have condemned the innocent."  ( v7) Jesus tells us.
 He reveals  Himself to us as:
Greater than the Law.  (v8)
Greater than the temple. (v6)
Greater than the Pharisees. (v11-12)
And greater than Satan. (v28-29)

As the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus reveals that our God, who has shown us such compassion, desires for us to be compassionate people.  He shows us that all of His creation matters to Him more than religious piety.  He shows us His patience and gentleness toward us... knowing our frailty and weakness.  What a wonderful Savior!

Father in heaven, Lord of all,  how we wonder at the mystery of Your greatness and majesty!  How thankful we are for Your patience with us.  Thank You for the Word that You have given to us that we might come to know You more and more. Help us to be people of true compassion for others.  Help us to honor You in all we do and say.  Transform us by renewing our minds by Your Word and Your Spirit, to think and act as Your children.  Your will be done and Your kingdom come! In the name of Jesus we rest and abide and pray. Amen.