Summary: While passing through a grain field on the Sabbath, Jesus' disciples picked grain, prompting Pharisees to question the act's lawfulness. Jesus referenced David eating the consecrated bread, accessible only to priests, to illustrate the necessity over ceremonial law. He emphasized that the Sabbath was made to serve humanity, not vice versa, declaring His authority as the Son of Man over the Sabbath. This teaching challenged traditional interpretations, placing human need above ritual observance.
Gospel Acclamation: May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call. (Ephesians 1:17-18)
As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain.
At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?”
He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?”
Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”
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