1-8: There is a difference between man's law & the Lord's Law. The Lord's law says "remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy." Man's law says picking food on the Sabbath is work & therefore a sin. Priests work on the Sabbath, but the Lord makes allowances for them. This shows that God made allowances within the law. The law was given to serve the people, not for the people to be slaves to the law. Resting on the Sabbath provides a break from work and a day to focus on your relationship with God. Jesus didn't challenge the law, but rather the Pharisees interpretation of the law.
9-14: The Pharisees now question Jesus about healing on the Sabbath. Isn't that considered work, which is a sin? Jesus reminds them that they would save one of their sheep on the Sabbath. The health and well being of a man is just as important. Again, it's not about following a strict set of human laws, it is about motivation and attitude. The Sabbath is for rest and relationship.
15-21: Prophecy, found in Isaiah 42:1-3, is being fulfilled here. It reminds us that Jesus came as a servant. Not one seeking acclaim, popularity, or celebrity. He did not come as a conquering hero (that is to come at the second coming). He is here to serve the people by bringing them the good news of salvation.
22-32: Jesus is once again accused of being a servants of Satan by using Satan's power to cast out demons. Jesus responds that it is ludicrous to believe Satan would cast out his own workers. Besides, by what power do the Pharisee's disciples cast out demons? Extra biblical accounts provide stories of strange rituals for casting out evil spirits. It is unclear if these worked. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that it is the power of the Spirit of God that casts out demons. Then Jesus states, "whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven." This statement has caused many to fret. What is this unforgivable sin? It is attributing God's work to Satan through willful and persistent rejection of God. It is deliberately rejecting the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
33-37: Jesus reminds us that our words and actions show our true spirit. We will be judged on what we say, so keep that in mind.
38-42: We have read and commented on this statement before. The sign the scribes and pharisees are looking for will be Jesus' death and resurrection.
43-45: Clean up your soul by filling your heart and mind with God. You can attempt to rid yourself of sin by regimenting every detail of your life, but without God you will still be empty and easily tempted.
46-50: Does Jesus not care about His earthly family? Of course He does; however, He is making a statement here that everyone is important to Him. He will not give precedence to His earthly family over His spiritual family. We ask believers are just as important to Him.
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