Observation: This confrontation between Jesus the the Pharisees is the start of an escalation. To this point, the Pharisees have questioned Jesus' authority and knowledge as a teacher, however it is now that the engage in issues of religious practices and attempt to entrap Jesus in violating the law. The disciples have picked grain on the Sabbath, and they call this out. Jesus deflects such a charge by showing the proper exceptions to Sabbath laws, both scripturally and logically, and in fact uses this to advance the fact that his time on earth is a special time, as spending time with the Messiah is certainly more important ritualistic practices.
However, it is certainly the word "harvest" in the charge from the Pharisees that is surprising. The disciples are not in the field, sickle in hand, cutting and bundling wheat, hauling it in to a threshing ground, and winnowing it. They are simply walking along, sticking out their hands, grabbing some kernels of grain, and pealing and eating it. It is likely the grain at the edge of the field, which the law even explicitly prescribes that farmers leave for just this purpose ... for others to have as they are in need. One could say they are fulfilling the law, taking grain to appease their hunger, in a manner exactly prescribed by Moses ... part of the Sabbath is to trust in the Lord's provision instead of upon your own work, and this is what the disciples are doing when they take grain explicitly left by the Lord's command.
No matter, under no reasonable context is what they are doing "harvesting". This is the danger of legalism. Applying God's good laws in a manner that removes all mercy ... applying the laws in an unreasonable degree or context ... alienates 'religious' Christians from the world. Certainly, the Sabbath is important, and in fact is overtly abused and ignored today to the detriment of us all, however every law must be applied in a context of love.
Application: I have been thinking on the Sabbath as my wife and I discuss her job as a pastor. She works hard on Sundays, and I serve regularly. I would not describe my service as interfering with the Sabbath ... certainly I should care about others enough to help at church, and often I come home and simply veg out watching football afterwards.
I do worry that my wife puts in a very long day on Sundays, and then does not usually find an alternative Sabbath day to rest. This is hard on her, and fails to make room for the Lord's provision in her life. I wish I could help her find that restful margin. I know she is serving the Lord, but I wish there was room for the Lord's love to be returned to her.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the Sabbath, and for the blessing that comes by trusting in your provision. May you be with our family as we seek a way to live into your Sabbath more regularly. Amen.
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