First, remember the pattern in these stories. A question from the scribes and Pharisees (and in one case, from the people): “Why does he speak like that? Why does he eat with them? Why don’t his disciples fast? Why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” And Jesus answers these questions with his own question or a pithy proverb or both. “Which is easier to say? Sick people need doctors. Do the guests fast when the bridegroom is with them? Do you remember the time that David, out of need, did what was unlawful?” Each of those encounters builds to 3:1-6.
