Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 12:14-21

As in the midst of Christ’s greatest humiliations, there were proofs of his dignity, so also in the midst of greatest hounours, he gave proofs of his humility. When the mighty works he did gave him an opportunity of making figure, yet he emptied himself and made himself of no reputation. The Pharisees were vexed not only because of his miracles but also because of his doctrine which was directly opposed to them.

The purpose of the gospel is to bring people to trust in the name of Jesus Christ. Until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching (Isa 42:4). The coastlands here refer to the gentiles. The gentiles shall wait for the law and the law here means the faith they in the name of Jesus. This is the law of salvation for the evangelist: faith in the name of Jesus.

பரிசேயர்கள் இயேசுவுக்கு எதிராக புறப்படுவற்கு காரணம் இயேசுவின் புதுமையும் போதனையும் தான். இயேசுவின் பெயரில் நம்பிக்கை கொள்வோர் மீட்பை பெறுவர் என்பது நற்செய்தியாளரின் போதனை. இதைதான் எசாயா இறைவாக்கினர் 42:4 கூறுகிறது: (எல்லா மக்களினங்களும் இவர் பெயரில் நம்பிக்கை கொள்வர்).

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 12:1-8

Jesus’ understanding of Sabbath-day is different from the Jewish teachers. Jesus says that the works of necessity and mercy are to be done on the Sabbath-day. Jewish teachers had superstitious and corrupted notions of Sabbath-day teaching. The disciples were walking on the Sabbath-day and surely it was a walk towards (or from) the synagogue (and not an idle walk).

Jesus uses an ancient tradition from the life of David (1Sam 24:5-9) wherein David ate the show-bread which by the law was meant only for the priests (Lev 24:5-9). It was because of necessity that the priest gave to David and those who were with him. What was done at the time of necessity may not be done at another time. (e.g. Thieves are not despised who steal only to satisfy their appetite when they are hungry (Prov 6:30)

ஓய்வு நாளைப்பற்றிய இயேசுவின் புரிதல் வித்தியாசமானதாக இருந்தது. ஓய்வு நாளின் ஒழுங்குகள் மனிதனின் அடிப்படைத் தேவை நேரத்திலும் இரக்கம் காட்டவேண்டிய நேரத்திலும் ஒதுக்கி வைக்கலாம்.