THE COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE
Jesus went through the wheat fields on the Sabbath. As the disciples made their way, they were picking the heads of wheat. 24 The Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look! Why are they breaking the Sabbath law?”
25 He said to them, “Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was in need, when he and those with him were hungry? 26 During the time when Abiathar was high priest, David went into God’s house and ate the bread of the presence, which only the priests were allowed to eat. He also gave bread to those who were with him.” 27 Then he said, “The Sabbath was created for humans; humans weren’t created for the Sabbath. 28 This is why the Human One is Lord even over the Sabbath.”
MY SPIN
One Sabbath Day, Jesus and his disciples took a stroll though the local wheat fields. As they walked along, the disciples picked a few heads of wheat to nibble on. This little activity did not escape the ever-watchful eyes of the Pharisees. They said to Jesus, "Hey! Reign in your disciples -- they're breaking the Sabbath law."
Jesus responded, "Aren't you religious cops aware of what King David did when he and his posse were hungry? This happened when Abiathar was the chief priest -- in case you want to look it up. David went into God's house -- the sanctuary -- and copped some of the special altar bread that only priests were allowed to eat. Not only did he eat the bread but he also gave some to his companions."
Then Jesus drove his point home, "The Sabbath Day was created for the benefit of humans. Don't act like humans were created to prop up the Sabbath. I, THE Human One, have authority even over the Sabbath practices and rules. For I am the Lord."