Because Sabbath-breaking was a capital offense (Exodus 31:14–15; Numbers 15:32–36), the Pharisees seized the chance to accuse Jesus, whom they held responsible for his disciples’ conduct. As well, if his followers were transgressing the Sabbath, perhaps their Teacher was corrupting them, causing those around him to be careless in applying the law of God. Could he then be the false prophet who invited people to follow other gods (Deuteronomy 13:1–18)? Jesus did not ignore this question. The Pharisees were right that the disciples did on the Sabbath what was forbidden according to the law of God (Matthew 12:4–5). When he later calls his disciples guiltless (Matthew 12:7), he does not do so because he thinks the plucking of grain obeys the law of Moses. He teaches only that their plucking of grain conforms to their service to him, and that is enough. For Jesus is more than the law. The central issue in the conflict is not the right understanding of the fourth commandment, but the right recognition of Jesus Christ.
Because Sabbath-breaking was a capital offense (Exodus 31:14–15; see also Numbers 15:32–36), the Pharisees seized the opportunity to confront Jesus, whom they held responsible for the conduct of his disciples.1
By accusing the disciples, they implicitly cast suspicion on Jesus himself, for if his followers were transgressing the Sabbath, perhaps the argument could be made that their Teacher was corrupting them. This suggested that Jesus had a negative influence on the people: those around him appeared careless in applying the law of God. Suspicion was therefore raised about the Teacher. Could he perhaps be the false prophet who invited people to follow other gods (Deuteronomy 13:1–18)? This question was understandable for those who did not believe in Jesus. He did not ignore it. The Pharisees were right: the disciples did on the Sabbath what was forbidden according to the law of God (cf. Matthew 12:4–5). When Jesus later calls his disciples guiltless (Matthew 12:7), he does not do so because he thinks the plucking of grain complies with the law of Moses. He teaches only that their plucking of grain conforms to their service to him, and that is sufficient. For Jesus is more than the law. The central issue in the conflict is not the correct interpretation of the Sabbath commandment, but the proper recognition of Jesus Christ.2
2 Les pharisiens, voyant cela, lui dirent: Voici, tes disciples font ce qu'il n'est pas permis de faire pendant le sabbat.