2:23–28 In this passage the author gives a fourth controversy story, this time dealing with the matter of Sabbath observance, the issue in the next story also (3:1–6). When reading this passage we must remember that the observance of Sabbath rest from labor is a command from the OT (indeed, one of the Ten Commandments, Exod. 20:1–17) and in Jesus’ day was perhaps the supremely important demonstration of a Jew’s loyalty to God and to his nation. Some later rabbis said that the Messiah would come if all Israel kept the Sabbath! The issue of Sabbath observance was therefore by no means a minor one, and Jesus’ apparent breach of the commandment was a serious matter.

Again, the controversy is described as concerning especially the conduct of Jesus’ disciples, but of course he and they are real…