The Disciples Pick Grain on the Sabbath

On a Sabbath day, Jesus was going through grain fields with his disciples. They were hungry, so they began to pluck heads of grain as they went and eat. Luke adds that they rubbed the grain in their hands.

Some Pharisees saw this and spoke up. They said the disciples were doing what was not lawful to do on the Sabbath, and they challenged Jesus about it.

Jesus answered by reminding them about David. When David and those with him were hungry, he entered God's house, ate the special bread that was set apart for the priests, and gave some to his companions. Jesus also said that the priests serve in the temple on the Sabbath and are not counted guilty.

Then Jesus pointed to what they had missed. He said that one greater than the temple was there. He said that if they had understood God's words about desiring mercy rather than sacrifice, they would not have condemned people who were guiltless.

Jesus finished with a clear teaching. Mark records that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Then Jesus said that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.