The first of many confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees, who had very strict interpretations about observing the Jewish law. It is a sabbath day and Jesus' disciples are walking through a corn field and pulling off ears of corn to eat as they walk along. The problem was not the taking of the corn - that was accepted behaviour - but that the disciples were breaking the sabbath. Work, including all farm work, was forbidden on that day. In the minds of most people, plucking a few ears of corn could hardly be called sabbath-breaking 'work' but the Pharisees interpreted the law in the strictest way. Their real grievance, however, was that Jesus did not seem to respect the law. In reply, Jesus gives an example - David and his men eating the holy bread which only priests could eat, because they were hungry. And he gives two principles. Laws are made for people and not the other way round.

Where man-made laws are concerned, they can be set aside where greater human needs are concerned. It is something we need to remember in our Christian life. Jesus also reminds His hearers that He is Lord of the sabbath, that is, He transcends the man-made requirements of the Sabbath. In fact, He is the Lord of all. And that is what the Scribes cannot accept. Let me prove Jesus' lordship by always seeking to do His will.