One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, ‘Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ (Mark 2: 23-24)

We cannot be sure of all the regulations in place for the Sabbath. These were not gathered in written form until the end of first century. Further, at the time of Jesus' ministry there were contending positions. The Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and followers of John the Baptist did not agree on what was allowed or not allowed on the Sabbath.

But to avoid work on the Sabbath - such as gathering food - was almost certainly a consensus-position of the sects. This would also seem to be the clear meaning of scripture as in Deuteronomy 5:12.

We tend to take for granted our understanding of God's intention. Again and again Jesus over turns our prior understanding. Where we have finally achieved clarity, Jesus causes us to reconsider. Especially where we have reached a self-satisfying understanding of God, Jesus is apt to raise a fundamental question or offer a compelling alternative.

Above is Wheatfield with Crows by Vincent Van Gogh.