Sabbath Rules?

The Christian life is difficult, even with God’s Word to guide us. Not only does our own sinfulness get in the way, but his guidance is so easily misunderstood and even abused by those we look to as leaders.

This was certainly the case in ancient Israel as the Pharisees, zealous to lead the people of God, distorted the meaning and purpose of Scripture. Sabbath observance was at the core of the Jewish faith. The Pharisees controlled Sabbath observance. After all, Scripture is clear as to what should and should not be done on the Sabbath, right?

Jesus' view is clear and the Pharisees have missed the point. Making themselves the “Sabbath police,” they turn the Sabbath from a blessing to a burden, and the Scripture from the revelation of God’s heart and purpose into a catalogue of religious do's and don’ts. Jesus said the Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath. God’s intention for the Sabbath was for our good, so doing good on the Sabbath is never wrong, no matter what the rules say.

Ironically, the passage ends by noting that, “Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.”

How easy it is to look to the Old Testament to find rules for how we are to live rather than recognizing it to be a pointer to Jesus, who is the life. It's easy to read its do's and don’ts forgetting that they point beyond themselves to something much more important.

Respond in Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for our life in Jesus. Thank you for the signposts that point us to him. By your Spirit, help us to see the signposts for what they are—pointers to life in Jesus Christ. Amen.

David Williams