The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

What is the greatest gift you have received?

I. Jesus Authoritatively Interprets the Law

Mark 2:23-28

Sabbath (deuteroprōtos) = a designation of the Sabbath immediately after the Passover week

The Pharisee quoted Oral tradition added to the law

Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6

If you had known what these words mean, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” you would not have condemned the innocent.

Matt. 12:7

II. Jesus Becomes the Rabbi That Really Knows

Mark 2:6-7

28 So the Son of Man is Lord, even of the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:28

A. Jesus notes it’s okay for his disciples to do what they did:

27 Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

Mark 2:27

-Humanity is more important than a day on the calendar.

B. Jesus notes, it’s ok to do good for others on the Sabbath day:

11 But He said to them, “What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable then is a person than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

Matt: 12:11-12

Matthew places this Sabbath day controversy after Jesus calls us to put on His yoke:

28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” 

Matt 11:28-30

-There is good work to be done even on the Sabbath.

III. Jesus Elevates People Above Animals

Matt 12:12

12 How much more valuable then is a person than a sheep!

Matt 12:12a

A Gift From God From The Garden of Eden: Sabbath

-A day of rest

-A day to worship

Take-aways for today

What will you do with the gift God has given to all of us, the day called Sabbath?