Read Matthew 12.
1. Jesus is Greater than the Law. (vv.1-21)
The self-righteous critics were so locked into their man-made systems that they totally lost perspective on what God intended. The Law is God's word given to Israel for their good. However, the Law was made for man, not man for the law.
Jesus provided them with three examples; two from the Old Testament and one from the farm. The common thread in each of them is common sense. When a man is starving, you give him whatever food you have. When something must to be done, you do it. When there is an accident or an emergency, you take action. This is showing mercy or compassion for the situation. It is not a violation of the Law when there are circumstances that warrant extraordinary measures. In verse 7, Jesus was not saying the Law and sacrifices were not important. They absolutely were. But understanding God's purposes and what He is doing may supersede those in a moment.
These two encounters in the first half of the chapter prompted Jesus to make two earth-shattering statements.
"I tell you something greater than temple is here." (v.7)
"For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath," (v.8)
Using the term "Son of Man" was clearly understood by the religious leaders to be a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. The term appears 30 times in Matthew. Later when Jesus applied it again to Himself these religious leaders wanted to stone Him for making Himself out to be God. To say that He was greater and more important than the temple would have riled them to no end. It is not a stretch to see that Jesus was saying, "I am greater than the Law." After all the Law was His word.
2. Jesus is Greater than Jonah. (vv.38-41)
The critic's question here was for a sign from Jesus. A sign? He had already provided innumerable signs authenticating His identity as the Messiah, God in the flesh. To want more, Jesus called them "evil and adulterous." Next, He gave them a veiled prediction of His resurrection. If the Gentile mega-city of Nineveh repented at the one sentence preaching of a reluctant prophet, what will be the condemnation of those who rejected the ministry of the Son of God? Then, another earth-shattering statement.
"Something greater than Jonah is here." (v.41)
3. Jesus is Greater than Solomon. (v.42)
And speaking of Gentiles believing in the God of Israel, if the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10) praised God upon visiting Solomon, how much more will be the condemnation of those who reject Jesus? Then, came the third earth-shattering statement.
"Something greater than Solomon is here."
Jesus is greater than the Old Testament Law, Poets, and Prophets. He is greater than any of the problems and issues we may face. He Lord over all. And, Jesus welcomes into His family those who want to "do the will of my Father in heaven" (v.50).
1. Jesus is Greater than the Law. (vv.1-21)
The self-righteous critics were so locked into their man-made systems that they totally lost perspective on what God intended. The Law is God's word given to Israel for their good. However, the Law was made for man, not man for the law.
Jesus provided them with three examples; two from the Old Testament and one from the farm. The common thread in each of them is common sense. When a man is starving, you give him whatever food you have. When something must to be done, you do it. When there is an accident or an emergency, you take action. This is showing mercy or compassion for the situation. It is not a violation of the Law when there are circumstances that warrant extraordinary measures. In verse 7, Jesus was not saying the Law and sacrifices were not important. They absolutely were. But understanding God's purposes and what He is doing may supersede those in a moment.
These two encounters in the first half of the chapter prompted Jesus to make two earth-shattering statements.
"I tell you something greater than temple is here." (v.7)
"For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath," (v.8)
Using the term "Son of Man" was clearly understood by the religious leaders to be a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. The term appears 30 times in Matthew. Later when Jesus applied it again to Himself these religious leaders wanted to stone Him for making Himself out to be God. To say that He was greater and more important than the temple would have riled them to no end. It is not a stretch to see that Jesus was saying, "I am greater than the Law." After all the Law was His word.
2. Jesus is Greater than Jonah. (vv.38-41)
The critic's question here was for a sign from Jesus. A sign? He had already provided innumerable signs authenticating His identity as the Messiah, God in the flesh. To want more, Jesus called them "evil and adulterous." Next, He gave them a veiled prediction of His resurrection. If the Gentile mega-city of Nineveh repented at the one sentence preaching of a reluctant prophet, what will be the condemnation of those who rejected the ministry of the Son of God? Then, another earth-shattering statement.
"Something greater than Jonah is here." (v.41)
3. Jesus is Greater than Solomon. (v.42)
And speaking of Gentiles believing in the God of Israel, if the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10) praised God upon visiting Solomon, how much more will be the condemnation of those who reject Jesus? Then, came the third earth-shattering statement.
"Something greater than Solomon is here."
Jesus is greater than the Old Testament Law, Poets, and Prophets. He is greater than any of the problems and issues we may face. He Lord over all. And, Jesus welcomes into His family those who want to "do the will of my Father in heaven" (v.50).
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