One SabbathThe seventh day of the week and a day of rest for Jews (Shabbat is Friday sunset to Saturday sunset). Sunday is the day of rest for Christians., Jesus and the disciples were walking through a grain field when they began to pick the heads of the grain.
The religious leaders complained, “Why are they doing what is not Lawful on the Sabbath?”
There were many Sabbath laws that the PhariseesAn ancient Jewish sect that stressed the study and observance of the Torah; sometimes seen as the forerunners to rabbinic Judaism. strictly followed and this was one of them. The only way these laws could be broken were in a life or death situation.
Jesus responds to their question by telling a story about King David, the greatest Jewish king.
David and his companions ate the bread reserved for the priests because they were hungry.
Jesus uses this example as the Pharisees would not criticise or question the actions of their greatest king. Jesus is explaining that human need is more important than man made laws and regulations:
"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath”
Jesus further confirms his identity and authority when he says, “the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath”.