Jesus comes into conflict with man-made rules. In the incident over the call of Levi and the meal at his house (v13-17), we see the contrast between Jesus desiring to love and reach the lost and the scribes and Pharisees looking down on these people.

In the incident over fasting we have a contrast between John’s disciples being taken up by the Pharisees’ rule of fasting twice a week, and Jesus’ disciples’ enjoyment in knowing Jesus (v18-20). Living the life of God cannot be fitted into man-made rules.

This is the message of the parable of the garment (v21) and the parable of the wineskin (v22). Entering into a relationship with Christ means we allow Him to challenge our attitudes and our rules. Real freedom is when Christ governs us.

The keeping of the Sabbath was important to Jesus. What He is objecting to are man-made laws about the Sabbath (v23-28). The principle behind His actions is ‘The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath’ (v27). In other words, the Sabbath was for the benefit of people and not to harm them. The Sabbath is a wonderful gift from God that we are to cherish. The Sabbath is to be kept, but this doesn’t mean that acts of necessity like providing food (v23-26) and acts of mercy like healing (v1-5) can’t be carried out. God’s laws were never given to harm or to prevent us doing good to others. God’s laws are always given in love and for good.