Daily Lectionary | Exodus 6 & Matthew 12:1-21

Exodus 6

Summary

Not only has Moses’ appeal to Pharaoh to let God’s people go not worked, but Pharaoh has increased the workload. Also, the leaders of Israel are frustrated with Moses for making the situation worse.

Moses complains to the Lord and regrets being sent in the first place. Things have gone from bad to worse for Israel and for Moses. So chapter 7 begins with the Lord addressing Moses: “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of this land” (Ex. 6:1). The LORD reassures Moses further by reaffirming the Divine Name: he is Yaweh, the Lord who keeps his covenant. In verses 2-8 there’s an emphasis on “I” when the LORD speaks; He takes personal responsibility for his covenant obligations. God will bring his people to the land of Canaan. 

Moses speaks this word to the people but they did not listen “because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.” Nevertheless, God tells Moses to go again to Pharaoh to tell him to let his people go. Moses continues his protest about his unsuitability for the job. If God’s own people will not listen to Pharaoh, then why should Pharaoh listen to Moses? Fair question. The LORD calls Moses, however, to persist in faithfulness even in the face of internal and external opposition. How can he do this? The reassurances given to Moses earlier in the chapter, the revelation of the Divine Name, will be Moses’ comfort when the situation is bleak. 

In verse 14-27, we have the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. The insertion of this genealogy foregrounds the unique role Moses and Aaron will play: “These are the Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said: ‘Bring out the people of Israel from the land of Egypt by their hosts” (Ex. 6:26). 

Moses again says, “Behold, I am a man of uncircumcised lips. How will Pharaoh listen to me?” (Ex. 6:30). 

Reflection

How can the revelation of God’s name be an assurance for us when faced with uncertainty and opposition?

Matthew 12:1-21

This section contains two episodes regarding the Sabbath and another statement of how Jesus fulfills Scripture. Each sub-section features Jesus on the move. In 12:1, Jesus is going through grain fields. In 12:9, Jesus enters a synagogue. In 12:15, Jesus withdraws to a place where he heals. 

The Sabbath and its proper enforcement was a particular hobby horse for the Pharisees. But Jesus, who fulfills the law and the prophets, reveals the true meaning of Sabbath and that he is the Lord of the Sabbath. He’s the one who brings true rest. 

The Pharisees were upset that the disciples were plucking grain on the Sabbath. But Jesus recalls an incident when David and his men went into the Tabernacle and ate the bread of Presence (1 Samuel 21:1-6). In the disciples’ case and in David’s, the righteous break a commandment in a situation of hunger. Jesus is a descendant of David, and his mighty men, the disciples, are with him on a journey with him. If David could claim some special prerogative for his men, so can the greater David. Not only is Jesus greater than David, he’s greater than the Temple! All of this to say--Jesus has the authority to pull rank and show us the “weightier issues of the law.” The Pharisees need to learn this from their own Scriptures: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” 

And if there was any question about the Sabbath squabble, Jesus says: “For the Son of Man is the Lord of Sabbath” (Matt. 12:8).

To show that authority, he goes into a synagogue and heals a man on the Sabbath. Jesus brings Sabbath to this man on the Sabbath. But the Pharisees are furious with Jesus’ actions and want to destroy him. 

Jesus withdraws, a crowd following him, and he continues to heal. Matthew tells us this is bringing to fulfillment the work of Isaianic servant. This prophesied Messiah will not break the bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick. This servant of Yaweh, the Lord of the Sabbath, will mend all that is broken and bring all things to rest. 

Reflection

How does Jesus bring to true fulfillment the law and the prophets regarding the Sabbath? How does the Sabbath relate to Jesus’ work for us?