The Pharisees often struggled to understand the truth of Jesus’ teaching. They already thought they understood everything based on their rules and traditions and their application of God’s laws and commands. They struggled then to understand and accept when Jesus did differently than they expected because they did not have a humble and teachable attitude. They did not recognize and accept Jesus as divine authority with divine understanding of God’s law that was above their own understanding.
We must take a different approach if we are to learn from Jesus rather than cling to our existing man made traditions. We should test everything against the life of Jesus and the whole of scripture.
Question of the Sabbath
23And it happened that He was passing through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples began to make their way along while picking the heads of grain. 24The Pharisees were saying to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25And He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions became hungry; 26how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the consecrated bread, which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he also gave it to those who were with him?” 27Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28“So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
In today’s scripture, we can observe several key elements from Jesus’ behavior and discussion.
Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Thus, God did not make man just to worship Him on Sabbath for His own pleasure. Rather, God created the Sabbath as a much needed day of rest, prayer, and study of scripture to help man in his life to draw near to God and other people. Sabbath can rest and strengthen us as we go through difficult times and it can encourage us even in good times. It keeps us focused on God.
Not all of God’s commands are equally important in all situations. While we should strive to obey all of them, applied in proper context, there are situations where we need to use good judgment to recognize that we must deviate. One such example is cited by Jesus, Himself regarding David and his men. Another example is demonstrated by Jesus allowing His disciples to pick grain. As I look to apply in my life, I have encountered situations where I have the opportunity to help someone on a Sabbath… that is good. However, even acts of service and love can interfere in our Sabbath rest and worship if we always schedule them for Sabbath. When practical I try to schedule on other days to keep my Sabbath open. I have to use good judgment to balance the decisions. We shall not be so literal as to miss opportunities to show love to one another and help one another when urgent. (Think about the parable of the good Samaritan. Take the time to help someone in need.)
Jesus clearly takes hold of the claim that He is the “Son of Man” and is “Lord even of the Sabbath”. While this may not be clear to some of us as we read from our culture and time, it is a clear statement that He is one with God. Only God is Lord of the Sabbath. Son of Man refers to the Messiah. Jesus clearly identifies Himself to those listening.
As we continue to try to learn more about the truth of God’s word, let us be careful to show grace to fellow believers in regards to our customs and traditions (e.g. such as around Sabbath). Teach and share truth as Jesus did, without rejecting those who seek to learn it just because they do not yet know it. Not everyone understands the truth to the same level.
All of us are influenced by the worldly culture that surrounds us… that we grew up in. Sometimes it is hard to separate that out and reject it and turn fully toward God’s path. It certainly requires study and time to uncover the full truth of God’s word. It requires prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit to transform one’s life. Let us show grace to fellow believers who may not fully understand or apply the truth as we do and let us remain humble and teachable so that we can continue to learn more about God’s truth and how to apply it in our lives.
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