Scripture to Read: Luke 6:1–5
Jesus’ ministry often took place on the Sabbath. We read in Luke 6:1–5, “Now it happened that He was passing through some grainfields on a Sabbath; and His disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating the grain. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why do you do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?’ 3 And Jesus answering them said, ‘Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him, 4 how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the consecrated bread which is not lawful for any to eat except the priests alone, and gave it to his companions?’ 5 And He was saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.’” The religious leaders had added so many rules and regulations to God’s Law that it was impossible for anyone to adhere to the “do’s and don’ts” list they had added to God’s Law. Jesus shared the example of King David in 1 Samuel 21:1–6, where Ahimelech the priest gave David the consecrated bread so that David and the men with him could eat and be refreshed. Then, Jesus said, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” To better understand this, we need to see how God had Mark record this in Mark 2:27, “Jesus said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.’” God is in charge, and He gave man the Sabbath to be refreshed (Exodus 23:12, Deuteronomy 5:14), not to adhere to a list of “do’s and don’ts.”
Challenge & Application
Why did God give the Sabbath? (Be sure to read Exodus 23:12, Deuteronomy 5:14.)
How are you refreshed daily by our Lord and His Word?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!