The Purpose of Religion: Compassion or Control

This news story appeared recently in the Jerusalem Journal. The headline read: “Grain Pickers Caught On Sabbath.” Several disciples of the increasingly popular Jesus of Nazareth were observed picking grain from a local field during the hours of Sabbath. Temple leaders and Law Teachers observed the serious violation of Sabbath rule and reported the violators to local authorities. It is unclear what punishments will be leveled against the traveling religious group, but, when interviewed at the scene, the young leader, Jesus of Nazareth, defended the actions of his people.

“We are hungry,” he told his accusers. “We’ve been traveling and when we saw the field, it is very inviting. But as for breaking the law that says our grain picking was ‘working’ on the Sabbath, our accusers seemed to have forgotten our ancestor David’s law breaking when he went into the Temple and ate sacred bread that was reserved for priests. Why? Because he was hungry. Furthermore, the Temple leaders who call us law breakers conveniently overlook the actions of priests and scribes who break the Law everyday and are exempt from punishments. Does being a Temple “authority” mean you can do anything you want.”

Jesus concluded his remarks by warning that “…something greater than the Temple is here.” We were not made to be slaves of Law. No, the Law was given to help us draw closer and closer to the Creator, he added. It is foolish to insist that hungry people remain hungry when food is available. Picking the grain is not a violation of the Sabbath work law; it is an act of thankful praise for the graciousness of Yahweh. In his final comment, Jesus said: I tell you again, something greater that the Temple Law is among you. Compassion always comes first.

Jesus’s direct challenge to Temple authority in the name of Compassion has not gone unnoticed by significant religious and political leaders. It is reported in some villages and towns that large numbers of people are clamoring to meet him and listen to his teachings. His popularity appears to be a vote of confidence by the average citizen. Perhaps related to this popularity phenomenon, attendance at Temple services is dropping and offerings to the Temple treasury are declining. Asked to comment on this situation, a highly placed Temple ruler said: “He won’t get away with this behavior. We have ways of stopping this sacrilege.” He refused further elaboration. No final comment was available from the Jesus Group which was last seen leaving the city carrying bags of grain and followed by a very large crowd of admirers. A bystander was heard to say: “He’d better watch his step. Those Temple rulers don’t like competition.” This newsworthy episode is only one occurrence of many involving Jesus and his followers in their challenge to the meaning and purpose of religious law. It does appear that his leadership and actions are heading toward a major conflict with Temple guardians in the near future. It is likely that the fate of Jesus and his followers lies somewhere within this fundamental question: Were we made for the Sabbath Law or was the Sabbath Law made for us?