[Talking to the Pharisees after they condemned his disciples for gathering and eating grain on the Sabbath, Jesus continued:] "For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!"
—Matthew 12:8 NLT
For the Jewish people, there was not more important symbol of identity than the Sabbath. Rules, laws, traditions, and respect grew up around the original law concerning the Sabbath and encrusted it with layers of a combination of inconsequential, restrictive, and harmful traditions. So when Jesus took on his opponents over the issue of the Sabbath, we shouldn't be surprised by their bitter opposition and hostile criticism. As Jewish self-identity became fused to the Sabbath, the traditions and attachments to it became more important for the religious aristocracy than the people who celebrated Sabbath or even than the reasons God provided a rest for his people and demanded that the Sabbath be honored. Like a bolt of thunder, Jesus' simple words, "For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath," raised their confrontation and hatred of him to a fevered pitch. He drove them to the point of decision. He left them no option but to believe or scheme to get rid of him. They chose the latter. What do we choose? Are we ready to let him define the heart and hope of our worship?
Holy God, I thank you so much for sending Jesus. I want him to be Lord of every area of my life, especially my understanding of your desire for worship and community. As I continue to read and learn from him, inform my heart through your Spirit to better know him and be conformed into his likeness. You sacrificed so much; help me to hold back nothing as I seek to live for him. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 12:8 NLT
Key Thought
For the Jewish people, there was not more important symbol of identity than the Sabbath. Rules, laws, traditions, and respect grew up around the original law concerning the Sabbath and encrusted it with layers of a combination of inconsequential, restrictive, and harmful traditions. So when Jesus took on his opponents over the issue of the Sabbath, we shouldn't be surprised by their bitter opposition and hostile criticism. As Jewish self-identity became fused to the Sabbath, the traditions and attachments to it became more important for the religious aristocracy than the people who celebrated Sabbath or even than the reasons God provided a rest for his people and demanded that the Sabbath be honored. Like a bolt of thunder, Jesus' simple words, "For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath," raised their confrontation and hatred of him to a fevered pitch. He drove them to the point of decision. He left them no option but to believe or scheme to get rid of him. They chose the latter. What do we choose? Are we ready to let him define the heart and hope of our worship?
Today's Prayer
Holy God, I thank you so much for sending Jesus. I want him to be Lord of every area of my life, especially my understanding of your desire for worship and community. As I continue to read and learn from him, inform my heart through your Spirit to better know him and be conformed into his likeness. You sacrificed so much; help me to hold back nothing as I seek to live for him. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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