LORD OF THE SABBATH
“But you would not have condemned My innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
Matthew 12:7-8 (NLT)
When Jesus declared He was Lord of the Sabbath, the Pharisees scrutinized Him and His disciples. Before this declaration, the Pharisees had accused Him and His disciples of breaking God's law by picking grain as they walked through a field on the Sabbath. If true, it would have been a serious offense.
According to the Law of the Old Testament, the Sabbath was to be observed with intention and reverence—a day set apart from everyday work to rest with God. Scripture indicates that violating the Sabbath had serious consequences. However, over time, religious leaders added numerous rules. By Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees, over 60 additional regulations had turned the Sabbath into a day of strict religious rigor.
Jesus responded to the accusations with authority. In Mark’s account of the confrontation, Jesus affirmed His authority over all things, including the Sabbath, stating, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).
What is Jesus saying here? Is He abolishing the practice of the Sabbath, giving His disciples a free pass to do whatever they’d like? Jesus wasn’t nullifying the Sabbath— He was restoring it to its original purpose. It wasn’t the plucking of grain that violated the heart of the Sabbath, but the man-made rules that offended the heart of God.
Sabbath has always been about connection. It is meant for the benefit and well-being of people, not the other way around. It’s a day designed for delight and joy. The Sabbath is a blessing, not a burden.
In a sincere effort to follow God, we can observe the Sabbath outwardly yet miss its purpose. Refraining from work does not make a day a Sabbath—abiding with God does. The Pharisees had lost sight of this, adding rules that turned a day of joy into a heavy obligation. The invitation to Sabbath was and always will be, an invitation to gladness.
APPLICATION: What about the practice of Sabbath feels intimidating or a burden? Make a list and invite the Lord to change your perspective.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for restoring the heart of the Sabbath. Thank You for not making it a day of burden but of joy. As I practice Sabbath this week, will You reveal the delight You’ve intended for this day? In Your name, Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?