THIS SUNDAY SCHOOL OVERVIEW FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LESSON EACH WEEK. BIBLICAL TRANSLATIONS WILL VARY, BUT THE MAIN RESOURCE WILL BE THE TOWNSEND PRESS SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMENTARY, 97th EDITION. THIS FEATURE IS DESIGNED TO BE OF HELP TO THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND THEIR LOCAL CHURCH AND/OR SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Lesson Title: JUSTICE AND SABBATH LAWS
Adult/Young Adult Topic: COMPLIANCE VERSUS COMPASSION
Printed Text: Matthew 12:1-14
Key Verse: Matthew 12:7 (NIV) If you had known what these words mean, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” you would not have condemned the innocent.
Source: Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary – 97th Edition, 2017-2018
UNIFYING LESSON PRINCIPLE:
Our justice system was established to provide equity. What should we do when certain interpretations of the law interfere with responding to human need? Two events in Jesus’ life, plucking grain and healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, illustrate the priority of responding to human need.
CONCLUDING REFLECTION: How we treat one another takes priority over submission to religious rules and regulations. There are people today who are more concerned about dos and don’ts than about the spirit of God’s law. Some are more concerned with what people wear to church than what they believe in their hearts about the Lord. Some are more concerned with strict regulations about who qualifies for help than with extending a hand of mercy to those who are in crisis.
PRAYER: O Lord, we pray for the wisdom to give priority to human need whenever the opportunity arises. Help us not to become stuck in custom and tradition to the neglect of the just and fair treatment of all humankind. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Sunday School Review “Justice and Sabbath Laws” was originally published on 955thelou.com
