Matthew 12 - 08.08.24
SCRIPTURE - Matthew 12:1-3, 5-7 NLT
“At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.”
Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
And haven’t you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath?
I tell you, there is ONE here who is even GREATER than the Temple!
But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture:
‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’”
OBSERVATION
Jesus has a discussion about The Sabbath
There was no actual law that prohibited the plucking of grain in order to eat on the Sabbath. On the contrary, gleaning handfuls of grain from a neighbor’s field to satisfy one’s immediate hunger was explicitly permitted (Deut 23:25).
What was prohibited was for a farmer to harvest on the Sabbath for a profit—which was clearly not the case with Jesus’ disciples.
Jesus further pointed out their hypocrisy from the Law of Moses, that while the Pharisees were nit picking about the disciples eating some wheat grain, the Pharisees were the ones who actually “worked” every Sabbath as they attended to the Temple responsibilities.
Jesus kept The Sabbath as it was intended.
The Sabbath was for—rest AND WORSHIP-to Draw Close to God AND to invite others to join you in drawing close to God—not rest for rest’s sake.
APPLICATION
Called to Sabbath Worship and Rest
Jesus is LORD of the Sabbath.
Unfortunately the Pharisees never understood what Jesus—as LORD of The Sabbath—was Teaching. They were so concerned about the “letter of the Law” that they missed the Opportunity to EXPERIENCE God when HE was standing right in front of them.
Sabbath-comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat-which means REST-
A break from our regular routines—to lay down work—and breathe in Jesus.
God set this Day of Rest aside SO we may be able to JOIN Heaven and EXPERIENCE the JOY of Corporate Worship as we gather to honor and Glorify God.
Jesus set the example for us to follow:
“…on the Sabbath day Jesus went into the synagogue, as was his custom.” (Luke 4:16 NIV)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV)
“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven IS at hand.’” (Matthew 10:7 AMP)
PRAYER
LORD Jesus,
Thank YOU for Your Love. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that brings us into deep communion with You. Thank You that You allow us to continually DWELL with YOU.
Thank You for Sabbath rest that draws us together in Unity—to Worship and glorify You—and to encourage One another…all the MORE as we see the Day approaching.
Teach me More and More about what it means to Abide in You at Your Feet. And experience heaven on earth.
In Your Holy and Precious Name. Amen
Tina L Kudelka