December 4

When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” — Matt 12:2 BSB

The Pharisees closely observed everything Jesus did, not because they admired Him, but because they wanted to catch Him doing something wrong. Similarly, the actions of good people today are often scrutinized by those with unkind intentions. This should remind us to live carefully, giving no one reason to criticize us. But at the same time, we shouldn’t be enslaved by other people’s opinions, especially when those opinions have no basis in God’s Word.

There is also a lesson here about how we should avoid spying on others, looking for faults. The Pharisees’ habit of constantly watching Jesus and His disciples to find something to criticize was contemptible. Instead of focusing on others’ flaws, we should mind our own conduct. Even if others don’t live as they should, we aren’t responsible for their actions. Our own uncharitable judgment may be just as sinful as what we are quick to condemn in others.