V1-2    The incident revealing the hypocrisy and legalism of the Pharisees. They claim the disciples’ actions to be “unlawful.” They use man-made laws as the basis for their decision.

V3-5    The OT illustrations, neglected by the Pharisees. The Lord Jesus draws attention to the ‘hard’ aspects of the OT, explaining their real meaning, and applying the principles.

V6       The Lord is greater than the temple;

-          by the Pharisees’ standards, the priests desecrated the Sabbath day;

-          by the Pharisees’ standard, David had acted wrongly.

The Lord teaches that there are new priorities, which are the true message of the OT.

V7       Mercy and devotion, the real meaning of the law. The Pharisees fail to understand its real meaning; and Jesus spent time with His disciples teaching them the real meaning, and thus they are blameless in their actions.

            Thus the original command at creation concerning the Sabbath, and later the fourth commandment, are simply that the day be kept holy, and do not provide a list of dos and don’ts.

            The Pharisees are seeking to establish their own righteousness, but ultimately their rules keep them from doing any good, v9-14.

V8       The underlying principle; Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

V9-10 Jesus honoured synagogue worship. The Pharisees’ question is irrelevant, for they healed on no days! The Lord thus exposes the impotence and folly of legalism.

V11-12            Everyday tasks are best avoided, it seems, but some things are clearly necessary. Jesus adds a further principle, that a man is of more value than a sheep.

            In Luke 13.14-15, the synagogue ruler criticised Jesus’ actions, and earns for himself a stinging rebuke.

V13-14            The Lord, having explained the truth, heals the man. He is not kept waiting.

            The Pharisees use this incident as a reason to kill Jesus.

V15-16            Many follow Jesus for the wrong reasons; He teaches them the real reasons.

V17-21            The character of the servant of God;

-          Avoiding fame and attention;

-          Chosen and anointed by God;

-          Compassionate and caring;

-          Faithful and diligent and consistent.

V22-24            A further miracle, again exposing the Pharisees’ real attitude.

V25-28            There is something illogical in the statement that Jesus drives out demons by the prince of demons. The Pharisees did believe in the ‘supernatural,’ Acts 23.8.

V29     The devil is the “strong man,” and all are under his control until Jesus Christ sets us free; we are His plunder, Is 53.12.

V30     It is easier to scatter than to gather; for gathering requires effort, commitment, diligence.

V31-32            It seems that, given the context, the Pharisees are in danger of this unforgivable sin, since their blasphemy attributes to the devil the power of Jesus Christ.

V33-37            We are accountable for our words; this wider principle comes from the discussion. The fruit of our lips reveals the true nature of our heart; 10.32-33; 15.10-20. We will therefore be judged by what we say.

V38-42            The wicked and adulterous generation, seeking a sign, yet rejecting the Saviour who would do the miracle. There is a sign, that of resurrection, after three days and nights in “the heart of the earth.”

            Jesus, having already declared Himself the stronger man who defeats the devil, now declares Himself greater than Jonan and Solomon. Jonah preached the message of repentance, and Solomon delivered great wisdom; Jesus brings both, and with authority, yet many reject.

V43-45            There is no doubt that the ministry of both John and Jesus had a great impact; the unclean spirit of hypocrisy and arrogance was driven out, but the people did not truly believe, and their lives left “unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order,” but not occupied by the Spirit of God. The end result is that the enemy re-enters, and the last state is worse than the first; Heb 6.5; they taste the word of God, but do not embrace it.

            The response of the people of Nineveh, and the Queen of Sheba are commended, and contrasted with those who listened to Jesus.

V46-50            Again, an ‘everyday’ event provides an opportunity for teaching. The lesson is clear, that those who are obedient, who do “the will of my Father,” are pleasing to Jesus; He identifies with such as these.

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