“For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:8
Scripture Reading: Matthew 12:1-13
Memory Verse: “Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:12
Introduction:
Have you ever had a discussion about what are appropriate activities for the Sabbath day? Can you think of past arguments by sincere believers about whether this or that activity should be done on the Sabbath? As we read the Ten Commandments and seek to follow them, the Sabbath commandment is one of the more controversial commandments about what actions are appropriate for believers.
As we ask ourselves questions about Sabbath observance, the key is the internal heart conviction of the individual. Are we convinced in our hearts about the distinction and sanctity of the Sabbath? If so, our conversation, our use of time, and our focus on the Sabbath day will all bear testimony that we are His covenant children. Proper observance of the Sabbath comes from a strong belief that God set apart this day for our good and for His glory. It then becomes a privilege to make the day different.
The rest God has ordained is a rest from labor and to Him. Study of Scripture, acts of mercy, fellowship, acts of kindness, charity, and worship are all ways to spend our Sabbath day. God has provided this day for us to devote to Him.
At the same time, let’s guard against an attitude where Sabbath observance becomes a custom or tradition. It must not be legalistic, nor should we provide pat answers to every question of behavior down to the smallest detail of right and wrong. This is especially important as we teach our children about Sabbath.
Why do we have the Sabbath? The Sabbath is not intended to be a burdensome or restrictive commandment. Isaiah said that the Sabbath was to be a delight. Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath was made to supply something that we as human beings need. It is to help us, not to hinder us. We think that we have too much to do to take time to rest, but really, we need what the Sabbath provides and will not do our work effectively without it.
The word, “Remember” refers to the past, all the way back to creation. The command to observe the Sabbath day was from creation, as we see by the words in Exodus 20:11, “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth…and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” The Sabbath existed from the first week of this world. It will continue to exist until the end of the age as a weekly celebration of God being our God.
Lesson Questions:
- What was the issue with the merchants in Amos’ day and their observance of the Sabbath? Amos 8:4-6
- In Isaiah 58:13-14, find the phrases describing actions that show how we can make the Sabbath day holy. Will those actions then lead to the delight in the Sabbath day that Isaiah describes? Why or why not?
- What types of activities did Jesus describe as being lawful on the Sabbath day in Matthew 12:1-13? Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8
- Why did Jesus heal on the Sabbath day? John 9:1-7
- In Matthew 12 and elsewhere, we find Jesus condemning the Pharisees’ observance of the Sabbath. How can we obey the Lord’s command to observe the Sabbath without falling into this trap of legalism and self-righteousness? Zechariah 7:5-10
- Who is Lord of all? Ephesians 1:20-21; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Peter 3:22. What is His relation to the Sabbath? Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:27
- How does Matthew 24:20 show that Jesus was expecting His disciples to keep the Sabbath after His ascension?
- Some say that because the law of Moses has specific laws dealing with the Sabbath that this one commandment does not fit in with the other nine. For example, see not lighting a fire on the Sabbath in Exodus 35:3. How would you answer that statement?