The action of plucking grain was interpreted as reaping which is prohibited on a Sabbath. Pharisees are prompt to find fault in the action of the disciples and look for a reason to criticize Jesus. Jesus turns it into an occasion to teach an important principle for all people of all times: Sabbath – any laws for that matter – is made for the wellbeing of man and not the other way around. The good of the person is to be considered first when applying the law in a concrete situation. Jesus contents that the tradition of the Pharisees is unduly stringent and exceeds the intention of the Law. An outward observance of law without any concern for the good of others can only make us more Pharisaic than righteous.