When the disciples of the Lord Christ were going through the grain fields; they became hungry; so they began to pluck the corn to eat (Mark 2:23). Was this considered stealing because they plucked ears of corn belonging to someone else without his permiss
This was not a theft because the Law allowed it. In this respect the Book of Deuteronomy says ” When you come into your neighbour’s vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes at your pleasure, but you shall not put any in your container . “When you come into your neighbour’ s standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbour’s standing grain.” (Deut. 23:24-25).
For this reason the disciples’ act was allowable according to the Jewish law and common customs. Anyone passing by could pluck corn to eat if he was hungry but not take it with him. That is exactly what the disciples did when they were hungry, they plucked corn and ate (Matt. 12:1).
In fact, the Pharisees did not criticise the disciples for plucking corn, but instead blamed them because they did that act on a Sabbath (Matt. 12:2), accusing them of breaking the Sabbath and not of stealing.
Therefore we should judge each act according to the applicable rules of the time.
