As today's passage, the preceding verses, and verses later in the chapter (Mark 2:23-24) indicate, Jesus was in a time of close scrutiny. Some people were trying to understand the Lord and his message; but, even at this early stage of his ministry, many of their leaders' questions were attempts to try to trap him. Other questions carried an accusation that Jesus' teaching and expectations were soft and lax on holiness and dedication. While the critical questions of others should make us go back and re-examine our positions and practices, we do not need to compromise our commitments and values. We must remember that truth and genuine commitment have always been criticized.