The Pharisees seized the opportunity to criticize these simple men, but Jesus rose to their defense. He saw through the Pharisees, hypocrisy and reminded them that He was Lord of the Sabbath. They were with the One who was greater than the Temple, the Son of God. The Pharisees would never understand loyalty because they used the Law and the people to suit their own purposes. They took advantage of every opportunity to criticize the poor and the lowly because in some way it made them feel important and better than the rest of men.
Exterior perfection is easier to attain than interior perfection.
To give of one's goods and keep the Law can make a person proud and critical. Jesus was telling us that the virtues of compassion and mercy are more pleasing to Him than the material things we offer Him. Jesus made Himself available to everyone. Unlike former Prophets and the religious men of His day, who often kept themselves aloof, Jesus was easy to approach and always ready to give His help. He was never too busy or too tired to bless little children, touch a leper, or preach to those who longed for God's Word.