What a frustrating day. Jesus and His disciples are doing many good things, and they are not only criticized for their actions, but called into account for their ‘sins.’ Jesus responds with from examples from the Scriptures and from clear logic. The problem was that the dissenters were focused on the letter of the law (and preserving their power over the people) where Jesus focuses on what His Father intended in the Law – MERCY not legalism.
Sometimes that happens in the church as well. We do something good, and we are criticized. While it might be easy to respond like Jesus did by confronting the criticizer, we need to remember that we are NOT Jesus. Over my few years in the ministry, I’ve learned that I need to listen to the critique, and understand the concern, before I am able to respond. And the response, like that of Jesus, needs to take in account God’s Word. Above all, our reply needs to reflect what Jesus was all about, showing mercy and forgiveness, yet standing firm on that Word of God when needed.