Luke 6:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why did this illustrious champion of the law partake of the loaves designated only for priests (Luke 6:4)? Was it not to signify that the priestly bread would become nourishment for the nations? Or perhaps to encourage us to emulate a priestly life? It may also signify that all believers are priests. Indeed, we receive the anointing of the holy priesthood by presenting ourselves to God as a spiritual offering (cf. 1 Pet. 2:5). Consequently, the teaching of Christ supersedes the law without negating it, but rather fulfills it (cf. Luke 6:6), as He does not abolish the Sabbath. If the Sabbath was established for humanity, then it stands to reason that when a hungry individual, deprived of earthly goods, encounters such need, the law becomes a source of fulfillment rather than abolishment. Can we accuse the Lord of what cannot even be attributed to His servant?

The imagery woven throughout this narrative is indeed profound. When David approached the priest Abimelech, fear of death did not prevent the righteous minister from extending hospitality to him as a wanderer (see 1 Sam. 21). Such is the essence of hospitality that we might willingly embrace the perils faced by others. The story conveys not only moral wisdom but also a deep prophetic insight: those who love God should offer shelter to the true David, even when facing death. This narrative reveals that in the home of any minister, Christ will be received, signaling His ultimate victory over unclean spirits (cf. Eph. 6:12) and His seizing of their spoils and armor. Indeed, those who welcome Christ overcome the unseen Goliath and strip him of his power.

Consider this: In the house of Abimelech, although David requested five loaves, he took only one. This action clearly symbolizes that the sustenance of the faithful would not be found solely in the law, but in the body of Christ, who nourishes all believers, ensuring none suffer from hunger. Doeg (see 1 Samuel 21:7), the keeper of the mules, serves as a type pointing to the future: who better than a shepherd of a flock without nourishment could symbolize the tribe of Judah? For his kindness to David, Saul sought to harm the entire household of Abimelech, sparing only Abiathar, the High Priest at that time (see 1 Samuel 22:18-22); this prophetically illustrates that no one can bring harm to the one true High Priest, Christ (cf. Hebrews 5:10).

He referenced David, who, while fleeing from Saul, asked Abiathar for the consecrated bread and shared it with his men (1 Sam. 21:1).

He pointed out how the Pharisees themselves would rescue an animal that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, and he noted that even the priests in the temple were unable to adhere strictly to the commandment of rest because they were engaged in offering sacrifices, especially outside the Sabbath. Jesus emphasized that He was greater than the temple. Therefore, the disciples, acting in accordance with this greater principle, did not violate the sacredness of the temple, which is a temporary dwelling of the Almighty, nor His enduring laws. Furthermore, the Lord reminded them of God's words through the prophets, emphasizing that He desires mercy over sacrifice—showing kindness and compassion to the man with the withered hand holds greater value than rigid observance of rest. The true purpose of the Sabbath is that it is meant for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath. The Sabbath, like all time, is designed for doing good rather than harm, and neglecting to perform a good deed for the benefit of a neighbor is also a transgression. In conclusion, the Lord reiterated what He had said in Jerusalem: the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.

How did he enter the house of God during the time of Abiathar the high priest, to partake of the bread of the Presence and share it with those who were with him, even though it was not lawful for anyone but the priests to eat it?” In the Tabernacle's sanctuary, a designated table held twelve loaves of fine flour known as the bread of the Presence, which were offered before the Lord and replaced every Sabbath. When pursued by Saul and famished, David came to Nob, where the Tabernacle was located at that time, and, with Ahimelech's consent, took the sacred loaves to alleviate his hunger. Although David did not violate the Sabbath, he acted out of necessity, breaking both the written law and customary practices, yet this was not held against him. Saint John Chrysostom notes that “the Lord defended His disciples from the Pharisees’ accusations by referencing a prophet greater than them who had acted similarly." If the Gospel of Mark mentions Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, it can be understood as the son, living during his father's lifetime, still being recognized by the title of high priest among the people. Concerning the Sabbath, Jesus continued, “Have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath, the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet remain blameless?" However, He indicated that the sanctuary was no longer present. While the law prohibited kindling fire in dwellings on the Sabbath, it also mandated the offering of two lambs in addition to the daily sacrifices on that day. In fulfilling these requirements, the priests would have to slay the sacrificial animals, skin them, cut them into pieces, and burn them—actions that might appear to contradict the Sabbath rest yet were deemed permissible because they were conducted in the Tabernacle and Temple by God's command. "For the same reasons, He absolves the priests, just as He justifies His disciples against accusations; if the priests are guiltless, how much more so are His disciples? Are they not priests? Indeed, they are even greater than the priests, for they are in the presence of the Lord of the sanctuary Himself,” as observed by St. John Chrysostom.