7 But if these words had been in your minds, My desire is for mercy and not for offerings, you would not have been judging those who have done no wrong.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 12:7

Commentary on Matthew 12:1-8

(Read Matthew 12:1-8)

Being in the corn-fields, the disciples began to pluck the ears of corn: the law of God allowed it, Deuteronomy 5:14. No law must be understood so as to contradict its own end. And as Christ is the Lord of the sabbath, it is fit the day and the work of it should be dedicated to him.