Sabbath, Living From RestSýnishorn

Lord of the Sabbath

In the New Testament Jesus proclaims Himself “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mat. 12:8). In this scene the Pharisees are criticizing Jesus’ lack of honor for their man-made, heaped-up rules that made healing on the Sabbath illegal. In making this claim, Jesus announces He is Creator God, the one who rested on the Sabbath after creating the heavens and earth and all that is in them. He reveals His authority to govern the specifics of Sabbath rest by stating, “Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 

But there is more. Consider with me the core magnitude of Jesus’ declaration: Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Sabbath Law. He is the ultimate moed, the perfect, appointed intersection between God and man. He is the Blessing of Abraham’s seed. He is the fulfillment of every Old Testament feast. He is the One who prophecies then fulfills His own prophecy, enacting judgement with mercy. He is our Tabernacle in the wilderness of life. He is our place to meet with God face-to-face for He is our all-sufficient Rest from sin.

Brian Simmons explains: “For believers today, our Sabbath is now a man, the Lord Jesus Christ. We have entered into the seventh day from Adam (2 Peter 3:8) and rest in the finished work of the cross. We cease from our own labors and enter into his Sabbath rest."*

I have discovered that rest is not legalistic or illusive. Rest is instituted in a Person—The Lord of the Sabbath. His rest is rich and sweet, easy and light, just as He said it would be. “Learn of Me. You will find rest for your soul.” So New Testament rest is also a holy relationship. Resting in Jesus involves remembering Him, knowing Him, following Him, obeying Him, trusting Him, and enjoying Him.

*Isaiah, The Vision, The Passion Translation. Brian Simmons’s footnote Isa. 56:2: “…who remember my Sabbaths”).