12:2 not lawful. The Old Testament does not prohibit plucking grain on the Sabbath in order to eat—the disciples were not farmers engaged in the work of harvest. The Pharisees’ objections were based on an oral tradition that failed to understand the true purpose of the Law. See “Christian Liberty” at Gal. 5:1.

Sabbath. The Sabbath is a symbol of God’s sovereignty over the whole created universe (Ex. 20:8). It is a reminder of His redemption of His people (Deut. 5:12), and it is a representation of the hope of eternal rest at the Consummation (Heb. 4:9). Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath fulfills all aspects of the meaning of the Sabbath (Col. 2:16, 17).