‘And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”‘ (Luke 6:5 ESV).
The Pharisees accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking the Sabbath because they picked grain while walking through a field. While the fourth commandment instructs God’s people to “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8), the Pharisees had added extra rules and regulations beyond what God had commanded. Jesus responded by declaring that He is the “Lord of the Sabbath,” asserting His divine authority over its purpose and fulfillment.
The Sabbath was given as a day of rest, reflecting God’s rest after creation (Gen. 2:2-3) and was given to Israel as part of the Mosaic Covenant. However, in the New Testament, the application of the Sabbath shifts in light of Christ’s fulfillment of the law. For Jesus revealed that true rest is found in Him alone. He is the One who sustains all things by His power (Heb. 1:3) and offers an eternal rest for all who come to Him (Matt. 11:28).
The fourth commandment is not a legal requirement for New Testament believers, but its underlying principle remains. We are called to find our rest in Jesus, to set aside time for worship and renewal, and to trust in God’s provision. While we are free from legalistic Sabbath observance, we can embrace the gift of rest and prioritize time with the Lord.
For Jesus is our true Sabbath rest. While physical rest is important, true spiritual rest is only found in Him. We don’t have to strive to earn God’s favor through rule-keeping. Instead, we can rest in the finished work of Jesus. He invites us to come to Him with our burdens and find peace for our souls. Today, let’s set aside time to rest in His presence, trusting Him to sustain us.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for giving us Jesus. For He is our Sabbath rest. The Sabbath always pointed to Him. Help us to trust in You rather than striving in our own strength. Teach us to rest in Your grace, knowing that our salvation and our daily provision come from You alone. Thank You for sustaining us and giving us peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.