Today in God’s Word

July 24, Matthew 12

Jesus had numerous conflicts about the Sabbath with the Pharisees. As hostile observers, they often charged Jesus and his disciples with breaking the rules about the day of rest. It’s important to note that Jesus never really broke the law (sinned) about the Sabbath or anything else. Had he sinned, he could not have died for anyone else’s sins. He did violate the traditions, and it infuriated the orthodox. He told them, “If you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.” Jesus’ suggestion that they didn’t know something about the scriptures was a stinging insult to these experts.

Legalism condemns the guiltless. The Pharisees pronounced Jesus guilty when he wouldn’t bow to their traditions which they equated with God’s law. Just so, legalists bind what God has not bound, and pronounce condemnation on all who disagree with their interpretation.

The Pharisees also despised Jesus because he exposed their hypocrisy. They made exceptions to their rigid rules for their own selfish interests, but would not give any consideration to people they condemned. Modern legalists are no different. God says none are without sin, and that people who offend in one point are guilty. Those who trust law-keeping for their righteousness must overlook their own sins while denouncing others.

Jesus would die so all sins could be forgiven. But he warned about one particular sin that would never be forgiven. Jesus said whoever spoke against the Holy Spirit would never be forgiven. I think that’s because the Holy Spirit would be the source of the apostles’ message about salvation in Christ and the power behind the miracles that would authenticate their words. If the hard-hearted Jews who refused to believe Jesus before his death refused the apostles’ teaching after the resurrection, there would be no means of forgiveness available to them.

The demand for a sign was a hypocritical tactic employed by people who had already seen undeniable miracles. They were conspiring against Jesus instead of humbly acknowledging him. Jesus knew their hearts and refused to cater to their selfish demands. There had been plenty of evidence, and the greatest sign (the resurrection) was still to come.

Legalism may be good for emptying out the unclean from lives with its emphasis on “don’t” and “stop.” But there is nothing in such teaching to fill what has been emptied with wholesome life and goodness. So the vacuum is filled by more evil, and the end of the story is worse than the beginning.

When Jesus’ family came looking for him, it gave him the perfect opportunity to define the basis of genuine relationship with him. It is by doing God’s will, not being a physical, blood relative of Jesus that we become his family. As we recognize the folly of the Pharisees’ legalism, we should not overlook the importance of genuine obedience.

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide

for Your Journey Through the New Testament,

Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used

by permission. All rights reserved.

Today in God's Word—July 2024

East Tallassee Church of Christ