October 5
Read Matthew 12
In Today's Reading:
Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath; controversy with Pharisees; unpardonable sin; Christ's death and resurrection foretold; His true kin
Jesus was confronted by Pharisees who criticized His disciples, saying: Behold, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day (Matthew 12:2). Jesus responded: I say to you, That in this place is One greater than the Temple. . . . For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day (12:6-8). The Old Testament worship system foreshadowed the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as well as His Church. Israel had been commanded to keep the last day of the week, the Sabbath, as a day of rest to commemorate the completion of all things in six days (Exodus 20:9-11).
The Sabbath, as well as all Jewish worship days which were also Sabbaths or holy convocations were a shadow of things to come. The early Church recognized this and, in commemoration of Christ's resurrection upon the first day of the week . . . the disciples came together to break bread (Acts 20:7). A few years later, the Apostle Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to write: Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings (collections) when I come (I Corinthians 16:2).
Because He rose from the grave on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9), most Christians assemble to worship the Lord Jesus Christ on the first day of the week. In this way, they honor Him as Lord of their lives. The Sabbath day of rest has its counterpart in the New Covenant that in all things He might have the preeminence (first place). . . . Let no man therefore judge you in meat (food), or in drink, or in respect of a holyday (festival), or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come (Colossians 1:18; 2:16-17).
The Passover, commemorating Israel's freedom from Egyptian bondage, was replaced at Christ's final Passover when He instituted the Lord's Supper. As Jesus and the apostles were eating the Passover meal, Jesus took bread, and blessed (gave thanks to God for) it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink . . . all of it (from it, all of you); For this is My blood of the New Testament (Covenant), which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:26-28)
Word Studies:
12:1 corn = grainfields; 12:5 profane = guilty of violating or breaking the law; 12:29 spoil his goods = take away his possessions; 12:44 garnished = put in order.
Cross References:
For Matthew 12:7: See Hos. 6:6. Matt. 12:18-21: See Isa. 42:1-4. Matt. 12:40: See Jonah 1:17.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast to God's glory · BP Staff: Karen Hawkins · Government Officials: Rep. Virginia Brown-Waite (FL), Rep. Benjamin Cardin (MD), and Rep. Dennis Rehberg (MO) · Country: St. Lucia (154,000) in the eastern Caribbean · Major languages: English and French patois · Religious freedom · 83% Roman Catholic; 13% Protestant; 2% spirit worship · Prayer Suggestion: Trust in Him at all times - favorable or disappointing (Psalm 62:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 1:18