Getting the picture. Matthew 12.

Read Matthew 12 online here

From the imagination of Alexandre Bida -- 1874.

As I read chapter 12, I tried to pay attention to Jesus and what he did and said. Not looking for a lesson for me, or a devotional thought for you, but remembering that we're tracing the life of Jesus this month as recorded by Matthew. Who is this man that all the fuss is about this month?

In some ways it's not that easy to get a clear picture of him. For one thing, we have no pictures of him. But also, the place and time of his life are so distant. And who were these Pharisees he keeps running into? They're definitely a foil for Jesus' teaching. (Here's an extended article about them.) In part, this is probably because the outward resemblance of their teaching and Jesus' teaching is similar. They pursued righteousness, awaited deliverance, were devoted to the law.

So Jesus taught about righteousness in chapters 5-7. True righteousness was a matter of heart and attitude. Apparently these Pharisees were hung up on the outward forms of righteousness. In this chapter the difference is emphasized in the conflicts between Jesus and the Pharisees. Sabbath keeping at all costs, over the physical needs of men, or doing good through healing. We learn something about Jesus' character in how he responded to the Pharisees' challenge about healing on the Sabbath. He went straight after them, pressed the issue by healing the withered hand.

There's much more here. Jesus deals with conflict. He lives out some of those principles of righteousness he taught earlier. He makes some incredible claims, including being greater than the Temple, and greater than Jonah*. Look at him in his interaction. In his knowledge of God's Word and God's desire. Try to picture the settings, the dress, the dust, the people, the reactions.

And remember. He's your brother.

* The story of Jonah is both fascinating and funny. It's really not about the big fish. Read it here.