Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 12:11

"And he said unto them, What man shall there be of you, that shall have one sheep, and if this fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?" — Matthew 12:11 (ASV)

For the third time in this gospel, Jesus’ argument depends on a contrast between animals and people (cf. 6:26; 10:31) and presupposes the greater value of human beings based on their special creation: humans alone are made in the image of God (Genesis 1–2). Jesus assumes that the Pharisees would not hesitate to lift an animal out of a pit on the Sabbath.

Jesus responds by arguing in a manner similar to vv.5–6. The question is simply one of doing good. Was the Sabbath a day for evil activity—like the intentions of the Pharisees in questioning him—or for the beneficent action, like the healing about to be done? His subsequent healing, like that in 9:1–8, comes after the shocking word and therefore serves to confirm that word. It also confirms Jesus’ claim to lordship over the Sabbath, as his healing in 9:1–8 confirmed his authority to forgive sins.