Compassion or Sacrifice?

S - Matthew 12:7-14 (NAS): ""But if you had known what this means, `I DESIRE COMPASSION , AND NOT A SACRIFICE,' you would not have condemned the innocent. "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." Departing from there, He went into their synagogue.  And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"--so that they might accuse Him. And He said to them, "What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? "How much more valuable than is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."  Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand!" He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him."

O - Why, in the mind of the religious leaders, was healing considered "work" and lifting a sheep out of a pit "not work" and therefore  acceptable on the Sabbath?  The Scriptures do not forbid either.  As for healing as work, how would they know?  As far as the record shows, healing was not a part of their world or their activities.  Yet, this is the universal conclusion of the First Century's religious leadership. Why, after the healing takes place, would they be inspired to plot the murder of Jesus rather than rejoice in the healing of the man?  Considering such dynamics can help us understand the tragic nature of and oft repeated warning about the yeast of the Pharisees.  Consider the following:

1.       The question they asked was not for clarity but preconceived conclusions and desired condemnation.

2.       Rather than focus on the value of the human being they focused on their definition of a principle of religious culture.

3.       While working a list of what not to do, they completely overlooked the more important what to do.  It is always lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

4.       The Lord's desire is for mercy not sacrifice.  Religion's desire is for sacrifice not mercy. 

A - The religious leaders think they are "in".  Jesus keeps warning them that they are missing it all.  This dynamic is so critical because I think I'm in (as do most folks who lay some claim to Jesus).  Am I using the Scriptures to justify my conclusions or to rectify my life?  Is my life about mercy or sacrifice?  Am I willing to accept the collateral damage of people to protect a principle?  Is my religious life centered on what not to do or on what I am called to do?  Is my primary motive to not do something wrong OR to fully engage that which is right, life-giving and an imitation of Jesus? 

P - Lord over all,

Thank you for this day and for calling me to yourself according to mercy.  I need, want and promise to give the way I've received, the mercy which saves, heals, brings hope, lifts up and sets free.  I praise you for considering us so valuable and for calling us to think and live this way about ourselves and ALL others.  Lord, today let your life come into me and flow out of me.  Lord, let me make you glad and bring you glory.

Steve