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Book of Matthew - Chapter 12 - Verse 1

12:1
At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Matthew, Jesus and his disciples are depicted walking through a field of corn on the Sabbath day. The disciples, feeling hungry, begin to pluck the ears of corn and eat them. This act caused controversy among the Pharisees, who believed that picking the corn on the Sabbath was considered work and thus a violation of the religious law. However, Jesus uses this moment to teach an important lesson about the true meaning of the Sabbath. He explains that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as a burden to restrict them. By allowing his disciples to eat the corn on the Sabbath, Jesus emphasizes the importance of compassion, understanding, and prioritizing human needs over strict adherence to religious rules. This verse serves as a reminder to focus on the spirit of the law rather than getting caught up in legalistic interpretations.

Theological Overview

When Jesus and his disciples walked through the cornfield on the Sabbath day, the disciples were hungry and began to pluck the ears of corn and eat. This act sparked a theological interpretation regarding Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath. Some scholars suggest that Jesus allowed his disciples to eat the corn as a way to demonstrate a new understanding of the Sabbath, emphasizing compassion and human need over strict observance of the law. This interpretation highlights Jesus' overarching message of love, mercy, and grace over legalistic interpretations of religious rules. Additionally, a word study of the term "hungred" can shed light on the disciples' physical condition at the time. Understanding the depth of their hunger can provide context for Jesus' actions and teachings in this specific situation, showing the significance of meeting basic human needs even in the face of religious laws. Ultimately, this verse reveals the compassionate heart of Jesus and challenges believers to prioritize love and care for others above rigid adherence to tradition.

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