Because He Is Messiah, Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

Matthew 12:1. Corn] Probably barley. No theft was involved here; this was a legal and authorized manner of satisfying one's hunger. (Deuteronomy 23:25.)

Matthew 12:2; 2. Not lawful] Their act violated, not the Mosaic law forbidding servile work on the Sabbath, but the rabbinical interpretations prevailing in that darkened era. To rub ears of grain together in the hands was considered to be threshing, to blow away the chaff, winnowing. When the Lord revealed the law of Sabbath observance in this dispensation, he expressly authorized such servile work as was required to prepare necessary food. (D&C 59:13.)

Matthew 12:3-5; 3-5. To violate the law of the Sabbath is not naturally and inherently wrong; it is not an offense that is malum in se. Rather, Sabbath desecration is a sin because it breaks the divine decree made with reference to that particular day; it is an act that is malum prohibitum. Hence, even proper regulations with reference to it may be set aside when some overriding principle of temporal or spiritual well-being is involved. David's use of the shewbread illustrates this principle.

Matthew 12:5; 5. Certain servile work is necessary and proper even on the Sabbath. Sacrifices and other matters involving physical labor were performed by the priests on that day. It is true that nearly all work done on the Sabbath in this age cannot in any sense be justified; yet there are some things, such as providing electric power, which must continue on all days of the week.

Matthew 12:6; 6. One greater than the temple] Jesus himself is that one. It is as though he said: 'Since the priests can legally break the Sabbath in their temple performances, think not that my disciples are bound by ritualistic restrictions when they are on the errand of one who is greater than the temple.' In this way Jesus laid the foundation for his next statement, one reaffirming his Messiahship.

7. See Matthew 9:13.

I. V. Mark 2:26. Sabbath observance is not wholly a negative thing; it does not consist entirely in simply resting from one's labors. The Sabbath is a day of worship, a day for man to "glorify God," to pay his devotions to the Most High. (D&C 59:9-17.)

Matthew 12:27; 27. By announcing himself to the Jews as the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus was in effect saying: 'I am the God of Israel, the great Jehovah, your Messiah, the one who made the Sabbath day, giving it to Moses on Sinai; therefore, I am Lord also of the Sabbath and can specify in my own name what constitutes proper Sabbath observance.'