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We are commanded by God to not work on the Sabbath, and to use it as a day of rest. So, Jesus uses the law and tests the Pharisees, since the Pharisees know the law so well that they will give a well thought answer. Later, we see God’s intentions are to present the question of how healing this man relates to a metaphor used in the passage.

In the passage, Jesus dines in the house of a ruler that is over the Pharisees. These were viewed by the people as great men. We see Jesus use the opportunity of being around these so-called smart men, to test how they react to a situation. Jesus gives a response, almost asking a rhetorical question, knowing He’s setting them up for his next statement. They know it is unlawful to work on the Sabbath. In Jesus’ next statement he basically says that if you had a son or an ox that falls in a well wouldn’t you automatically go and get him out? The story shows God’s grace and mercy on all people, so we should do the same even on the Sabbath. 

How are you using your days to take rest from life? When do you use those days to care for others that may need it, especially the people that are around you in your daily life? This can be a small way you worship God through service even on your days of rest.