Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 6:1-5
J.C. Ryle explains how Jesus challenges the Pharisees' legalistic and hypocritical interpretation of the Sabbath, emphasizing mercy and true obedience over rigid ritual.
In this sermon, J.C. Ryle offers a detailed exposition of Luke 6:1-5, focusing on Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees over Sabbath observance. Ryle highlights the contrast between legalistic hypocrisy and true godliness, urging believers to understand the spirit behind God's commandments. This message challenges Christians to prioritize mercy and authentic obedience over mere external compliance.
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JESUS AND THE SABBATH
We should notice, in this passage, what excessive importance hypocrites attach to trifles. We are told that, "One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples broke off heads of wheat, rubbed off the husks in their hands, and ate the grains." At once the hypocritical Pharisees found fault, and charged them with committing a sin. They said, "Why do you that which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath days?" The mere act of plucking the heads of wheat of course they did not find fault with. It was an action sanctioned by the Mosaic law. (Deut. 23:25.) The supposed fault with which they charged the disciples, was the breach of the fourth commandment. They had done work on the Sabbath, by taking and eating a handful of food.
This exaggerated zeal of the Pharisees about the Sabbath, we must remember, did not extend to other plain commandments of God. It is evident from many expressions in the Gospels, that these very men, who pretended such strictness on one little point, were more than lax and indifferent about other points of infinitely greater importance. While they stretched the commandment about the Sabbath beyond its true meaning, they openly trampled on the tenth commandment, and were notorious for covetousness. (Luke 16:14.) But this is precisely the character of the hypocrite. To use our Lord\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath
- Pharisees accuse them of unlawful work
- The hypocrisy of Pharisees' strict Sabbath zeal
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II
- The Pharisees' neglect of greater commandments
- Their covetousness despite Sabbath legalism
- The character of hypocrisy exposed
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III
- Jesus' teaching on mercy over sacrifice
- The true meaning of Sabbath observance
- Jesus' authority to interpret the law
Key Quotes
“We should notice, in this passage, what excessive importance hypocrites attach to trifles.” — J.C. Ryle
“While they stretched the commandment about the Sabbath beyond its true meaning, they openly trampled on the tenth commandment, and were notorious for covetousness.” — J.C. Ryle
“The supposed fault with which they charged the disciples, was the breach of the fourth commandment.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Examine your own heart for legalism and hypocrisy in religious practice.
- Prioritize mercy and compassion in your observance of God's commandments.
- Trust Jesus' authority to guide your understanding of Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples?
They accused the disciples of breaking the Sabbath by plucking and eating grain, which they considered unlawful work.
What does this passage reveal about Pharisaical hypocrisy?
It shows their excessive focus on minor rules while neglecting more important commandments like the tenth commandment.
How does Jesus respond to the Sabbath controversy?
Jesus emphasizes mercy and the spirit of the law over rigid legalism, asserting His authority to interpret the Sabbath.
What is the significance of Deuteronomy 23:25 in this sermon?
It clarifies that plucking grain by hand was allowed, highlighting the Pharisees' faultfinding as unjust.