The following excerpt is taken from What Every Christian Should Know About Satan. Order your copy in print, Kindle, or Audible versions here.

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Jesus engages in recurring conflict with the Pharisees throughout Matthew 12. After Jesus’ disciples are seen plucking and eating heads of grain on the Sabbath, the religious leaders scold Jesus for allowing his followers to “do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath” (12:2). Jesus delivers a countercharge, accusing the Pharisees of condemning the innocent. And then he boldly proclaims his deity: “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (12:8).

Next, Jesus enters the synagogue, where he meets a man with a shriveled hand. The Pharisees test Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” (12:10). Jesus replies, “Who among you, if he had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t take hold of it and lift it out? A person is worth far more than a sheep; so it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath” (12:11-12). Then, Jesus heals the man’s shriveled hand. This enrages the Pharisees, who depart the synagogue and plot to kill Jesus (12:13-14).

After a short respite, in which Jesus continues his healing ministry, the Pharisees deliver their strongest attack on the Savior:

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