ISB ~ Matthew 12 v9 - 14

Jesus asserts his Lordship over the Sabbath (12:8). Since the Sabbath was meant for man’s good, doing good works on the Sabbath cannot be construed as unlawful. If the Pharisees are willing to save one of their livestock, they should be more willing to see a crippled man relieved of his burden on the same day. In short, the Sabbath forbids servile works, not works of mercy.