Jesus’ first Sabbath controversy, according to Mark (Mark 2:23–28; cf. Matt 12:1–8; Luke 6:1–5), occurred when his disciples plucked heads of grain as they were walking through fields. The Pharisees complained to Jesus that their actions were contrary to the law (Mark 3:2). Presumably, Jesus could have cited Deuteronomy 23:25 saying that the disciples’ actions were permitted according to the OT law and did not constitute work. Instead, he appealed to David’s taking the showbread when he fled from