God's Mission
Luke 6:1-10
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath
The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.
~ Jesus
1 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2 Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
3 Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” 5 Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
6 On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.
9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”
10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored.
Pondering Point
Sabbath – a prescribed “time of rest” in the ten commandments – was a regular sore spot between the Pharisees and Jesus. These religious leaders had expanded this rule to a point where even basics like certain forms of eating or doing good (e.g. healing someone) could not be done on Sabbath. Jesus brought perspective to the situation, back to its original intent – and back under God (Him).
Today there is still benefit to Sabbath rest, but not for the sake of following rules; we live by the Spirit of Jesus and are not subject to it as law (Romans 5:18). In fact, Colossians 2:17 forbids judging anyone by how they celebrate the Sabbath. BUT, however you practice the idea of Sabbath, do so to the glory of God – with an eye on rest. What is the Spirit saying to us about resting in God? Can you stop and focus on God?
Prayer Prompt
Father God, what do You want to teach me about rest? Teach me about resting in You spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and relationally. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Psalm 62:5
Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone.