Definition: And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Mark’s Gospel (Matthew 15:38 in the King James Version). It’s a really important and slightly tricky verse! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is walking through town and notices some people are gathered together on Sabbath day – which is a holy day of rest, dedicated to God. They're eating, talking, and generally engaging in activities that are normally forbidden during this time. What the Pharisees Said: The Pharisees (a group of Jewish leaders) were upset. They believed that it was wrong for people to do these things on their holy day. They felt it was a violation of God’s law. The Core of the Verse - It's about Jesus' Response: Jesus replied, "Why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?" This means he asked them why they were doing something that wasn’t allowed during their holy time. He was essentially challenging their rules and expectations. What it’s really saying: Jesus isn't criticizing the people themselves; he's highlighting a problem . He’s pointing out that they are making things illegal – engaging in activities that aren’t permitted by God’s law. The Significance (It’s about Obedience): This verse is crucial because it shows Jesus is setting boundaries and demanding obedience to God's laws. It's a reminder that following God's rules is essential, even when it feels inconvenient or strange. He’s saying, “Don’t do these things on your holy day!” In short: The Pharisees were questioning why people were breaking the rules of their Sabbath. Jesus challenged them to understand and obey God's law. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "Sabbath" means in the context of Jewish tradition? Discuss the Pharisees’ perspective on this issue?