Scripture Union Daily Guide 15 April 2021 Thursday Message
TOPIC: Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath
OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, I request that you help me to encounter you as I meditate on your word.
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 12:1 – 21
Question(s) for Reflection
• What is God revealing to me in this passage?
The disciples were not accused of stealing. The Law in Deuteronomy 23:25 supports their action. What the Pharisees considered unlawful was reaping on the Sabbath. That transgressed the law of Sabbath, as interpreted by them. They had replaced the spirit of the laws of Moses with detailed and endless rules and regulations. This was a constant source of disagreement between them and Jesus.
Are you sometimes legalistic like the Pharisees? By his reply in vs.3-8, Jesus showed them that the spirit of the law was often more important than the letter of the law, especially regarding ceremonial observations. Can you imagine what would happen if in today’s world, we shut down hospitals, police and fire stations or departments dealing with electricity and water on Sundays? Jesus Himself set us an example on the use of the sabbath. See vs.10,13.
Note the attributes of the Master (vs.18-20). Are these true of you or are you controlled by the spirit of arrogance, jealousy and hatred? The purpose of the miracles of Jesus was to meet human needs and to fulfil scriptures concerning Him. He was God’s chosen Servant, the beloved of God, “… nations will put their trust in His name…” (vs.18-21; Isaiah 42:1-4). God gave Him a name that is above every name! Neither law, nor rule of man could therefore hinder Him from fulfilling His divine mandate.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer(Scripture Union Daily Guide 15 April 2021)
• Lord, help me to be merciful to those in need. • Pray for Human Rights organizations to take interest in the persecution of Christians.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• Lev. 23-24; Rev. 2
Scripture Union Daily Guide 15 April 2021.Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.