Read Mark 2:23-3:6
My son James began college this year. As part of his study, he must take a lot of intense courses in sciences and math. At home, my wife and I have witness him spending a lot more time studying than before because of the intensity of the courses. As a result, we advised him to make sure he gives himself some time for rest and recovery. This reminded me of the Sabbath given to the Israelites in the Old Testament.
The Sabbath was given by the Lord as a good provision for Israel. Deuteronomy 5:13-14 commanded the Israelites to work six days and rest the seventh day of the week. It included animals, servants, and sojourners. And it was a day dedicated to the Lord; a day to remember the redemption of the Lord, when He brought them out of Egypt. A day dedicated to rest, worship, and remembrance. However, the Pharisees’ interpretation had made the command a burden filled with excessive regulations.
This is why Jesus shares the story of David eating the bread of the Presence, because he wanted to demonstrate how God showed compassion when David was hungry. Similarly, His disciples were plucking the heads of grain because they were also hungry. Yet, He was still charged with breaking the Sabbath; the charge was that His disciples were doing this on the day of the Sabbath. Jesus reminds them that He is the Lord of the Sabbath and has the authority to show compassion and mercy—even on the Sabbath. His explanation is further shown when He heals the man with the withered hand.
Jesus questions those watching him in the synagogue: Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or not? After knowing the hardness of their heart, He heals the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath. This demonstrated how God shows mercy and compassion even on the Sabbath.
Jesus’ corrections to the Pharisees not only displayed His authority over the Sabbath but also the restoration of its proper understanding: rest, worshipping God, and doing good.
