“Pharisæi autem dicebant ei : Ecce, quid faciunt sabbatis quod non licet ?”
“And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?”
“So the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?””
“The Pharisees said to him, “Behold, why do they do that which is not lawful on the Sabbath day?””
“And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?”
2. How even this was grudged them by the Pharisees, upon supposition that it was not lawful to pluck the ears of corn on the sabbath day, that that was as much a servile work as reaping (v. 24); Why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? Note, If Christ's disciples do that which is unlawful, Christ will be reflected upon, and upbraided with it, as he was here, and dishonour will redound to his name. It is observable, that when the Pharisees thought Christ did amiss, they told the disciples (v. 16); and now when they thought the disciples did amiss, they spoke to Christ, as make-bates, that did what they could to sow discord between Christ and his disciples, and make a breach in the family.
Verses 23-28 The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy.