Honoring the Sabbath

January 5, 2014 Background Scripture: Luke 6:1 – 11 Lesson Passage: Luke 6:1 – 11 They were angry because of Jesus. They conspired as to what they might do to harm Jesus. These two statements summarize the last verse of today’s lesson. For Christians, it is considered blasphemous for anyone to be angry enough at Jesus to consider wanting to harm him; yet this is what took place during the events of this lesson. Why would someone want to harm Jesus? According to his accusers, Jesus violated the Sabbath Law—on more than one occasion! On one occasion, he led his disciples through a grain field and they plucked some of the grain from the stalks and ate it. On another occasion, he was teaching in a synagogue and someone with a withered hand was there. Jesus healed the man’s hand. On both occasions, there were religious leaders present who witnessed the incidents. How dare he break the Sabbath Law in the presence of those who believed it was their responsibility to both interpret the Law as well as enforce it? It seems bad enough that he violated the Sabbath Law. But, to add insult to injury, he did it right in their presence which offended them even more. They interpreted Jesus’ actions as totally disrespectful towards them and therefore they needed to avenge themselves. On the other hand, Jesus interpreted his actions during both Sabbath Days but they were not open to receive what he had to say. Jesus’ actions did not violate the spirit of the Law. His accusers were angry because Jesus’ actions were violating their (mis)interpretation of the letter of the Law. Jesus never violated any of the sacred Law which had been passed down through the Jewish generations from Moses. So how do we reconcile Jesus’ actions with the harsh treatment some of the people of Israel received for what appeared to be similar acts under Moses’ leadership? Moses taught Israel to obey the letter of the Law before they understood the spirit of it. Honoring the Sabbath under Moses’ leadership accomplished two things for Israel. First, they remembered that God had given them the Sabbath Day as a sign between Him and them to be remembered throughout their generations. Secondly, the observance taught the former slaves the importance of having a one-day rest every week for the body to rest and be refreshed. Over the years, or down through the generations, Israel continually violated both intentions. During Jesus’ ministry, the recorded actions of the Jewish religious leaders showed hypocrisy and an emphasis on outer appearance and actions rather than on inner spirituality and maturity. Jesus often pointed out the discrepancy between their talk and their walk to them. They had become experts(?) at interpreting the letter of the Law while living in violation of the spirit of it. Jesus’ actions continuously demonstrated the spirit of the Law. Perhaps, this more than anything else kept the religious leaders at odds with Jesus. Even on the Sabbath day, they were angry enough to do him harm. Jesus stated to them that he is Lord of the Sabbath. Therefore, what he chooses to do would always be in honor of the Sabbath. Robert C. Hudson December 30, 2013