May 13, 2015: Mark 2:23-3:6

Mark 2:23-3:6

²³ Jesus went through the wheat fields on the Sabbath. As the disciples made their way, they were picking the heads of wheat. ²⁴ The Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look! Why are they breaking the Sabbath law?”

²⁵ He said to them, “Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was in need, when he and those with him were hungry? ²⁶  During the time when Abiathar was high priest, David went into God’s house and ate the bread of the presence, which only the priests were allowed to eat. He also gave bread to those who were with him.” ²⁷ Then he said, “The Sabbath was created for humans; humans weren’t created for the Sabbath. ²⁸  This is why the Human One^[a] is Lord even over the Sabbath.”

Jesus returned to the synagogue. A man with a withered hand was there. ² Wanting to bring charges against Jesus, they were watching Jesus closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. ³ He said to the man with the withered hand, “Step up where people can see you.” ⁴ Then he said to them, “Is it legal on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they said nothing. ⁵ Looking around at them with anger, deeply grieved at their unyielding hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he did, and his hand was made healthy. ⁶ At that, the Pharisees got together with the supporters of Herod to plan how to destroy Jesus.

Reflection:

“The Sabbath was created for humans; humans weren’t created for the Sabbath.” Jesus’ words echo through time. The Pharisees were a religious sect that strictly followed the Torah. In fact, they followed so closely that they went a step further even following the unwritten rules around the Torah to make sure that they kept law to the very letter. In their effort to preserve the law, they became legalistic and self-righteous. Yet Jesus calls them out telling them that the Sabbath was meant to be beneficial to people. Jesus exhibits this belief by defending the disciples’ actions and healing on the Sabbath. Sometimes, we can become legalistic around our traditions or beliefs. Still, we must remember that if our traditions and beliefs do not help people- to love, to grow, and to be sustained- then they may not be necessary.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: How do you observe the Sabbath?

Noon: What rules, beliefs, or traditions in your life are more harmful than helpful?

Evening:  How can you make your Sabbath about showing God’s love?