And he said to them, ‘Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.’ Then he said to them, ‘The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.’ (Mark 2: 26-28)

Scripture versus scripture, rule versus rule. What is the role of rules? How are we to read scripture?

Jesus is consistent in seeking God's intention. The Bread of the Presence (see 1st Samuel 21) is consecrated to the purpose of God. Were David and his men advancing the purposes of God?

What is the purpose of the Sabbath? It was consecrated to the purpose of God. Were the disciples advancing the purposes of God?

When we approach scripture do we seek to understand God's intention or advance our own? Jesus was insistent - especially with the Pharisees - that we not mistake our intentions for God's.

Matthew's version of this story adds Jesus telling the pharisee's, "But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless."