Re:Verse passage – Mark 2:23-28 (day five) The Pharisees were saying to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” This is the second “interaction” (in a row) that Jesus has with the religious leaders over legalism. Previously, Jesus was challenged over fasting. In the Re:Verse passage this week He is confronted by them, about sabbath rules. Jesus both recognizes and chastises their legalism. Jesus has strong words against legalism. Why? Because legalism impairs a right relationship with God. Legalism causes humans to look at the shortcomings in the lives of others rather than in themselves. (Notice how external this is) Legalism promotes a man-centered righteousness rather than a Christ-centered righteousness. Legalism is dangerous and destructive.
We can/must look to Jesus to find righteousness and abundant life- not follow man-made rules. That is the gospel. That is good news.
