Matthew 12:2  “…when the Pharisees saw…”
Why were the Pharisees there.  It seems they followed Jesus around about as much as His disciples.

2  “…what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath”
The fact that they were picking the grain then rubbing it in their hands to break off the chaff so they could eat the grain could be seen technically as reaping or harvesting, which was not permitted on the Sabbath.  But the Pharisees refused to see the intent of the law and only the letter which they felt they could control.  God never meant for a person to go hungry, only that they honor the Sabbath by not doing normal work.  A few men finding themselves in a field and eating a few heads of grain because they were hungry doesn’t dishonor the Sabbath.  One wonders if the Pharisees were really so blind to the truth of the scriptures or if they willingly ignored the truth for their own purposes.

6  “…in this place there is One greater than the temple”
Reference to Himself as more important than any representation.  An instance when Jesus confirms His divinity.

7  “…if you had known…you would not have condemned the guiltless”
Disciples weren’t actually breaking any laws.  The Pharisees were misinterpreting them.  Jesus points out their error in not understanding the spirit of what the law says.  All points to a relationship with God.  So easy to just follow laws without ever having to consider what they mean.

8  “…the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath”
Another instance of Jesus confirming exactly Who He is.

10  “…Is it lawful to heal…that they might accuse Him”
Why would you even ask such a question.  How cold does a heart have to be before you would consider such foolishness.  Did they really believe God was such a tyrant that He would forbid healing just because it happened on the Sabbath.  Such sick, warped minds.

12  “Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep…”
I’m sure Jesus was just as disgusted with their statements.  Too bad we can’t see and hear the fullness of this exchange and only the words.  The evil of their hearts was shown as this only caused them to work harder to find a way to destroy Him.  Their own evil and ignorance was exposed, but instead of repenting they chose to try to eliminate Him.

15  “…when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there…”
Wasn’t His intent to spend His time fighting with the Pharisees.  He wasn’t interested in overthrowing any institution.  The time for Him to come as King of all is still to come.

20  “A bruised reed He will not break…”
Extreme gentleness.  Jesus didn’t come the first time to be a conquering ruler, but a friend and savior.  He provided the means for the world’s redemption to God.  Unfortunately, most who reject Him fail to realize He is coming again.  And this time He will come as Lord of all.  Every knee will bow and every tongue confess it.

21  “And in His name Gentiles will trust.”
He came for all, not just a select few.  So sad that only some will receive Him.  One of the greatest mysteries; why do some people refuse to want a relationship with God.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.