Those in Authority

There is a striking contrast between carefree disciples strolling through cornfields on a peaceful Sabbath day and the stern Pharisees clearly looking for some way of trapping Jesus Christ. It is not likely that the disciples plucked the ear of corn out of any deliberate defiance of the law.

It would seem a natural thing to do as they brushed past it and admired the ripe golden fullness. But the Pharisees turned the occasion into one of legalistic confrontation. Jesus Christ calmly responded, appealing to their tradition.

People in authority are sometimes tempted to use legalistic arguments to ensnare others, even when they willingly commit only minor transgressions. But the Son of man came to show a more humane way of treating one another, with understanding, compassion, and a sense of proportion.