The Sabbath was ordained by God at creation for the benefit of all humanity. According to the Bible, the Sabbath commemorates God’s completion of creation and His rest on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). The fourth of the Ten Commandments given to Moses requires observance of the seventh day as a day of rest, a holy day unto the Lord (Exodus 20:8-11). Keeping the Sabbath holy is a sign of the covenant between God and His people (Exodus 31:13-17). In the New Testament, Jesus provides both teaching and examples related to proper Sabbath observance.
Jesus affirmed the importance of the Sabbath
Far from abolishing the Sabbath commandment, Jesus strongly affirmed its ongoing validity. When confronted over violations of Sabbath traditions, Jesus often responded by citing scriptural examples of necessary Sabbath activities, indicating that meeting human needs takes priority over strict rest (Matthew 12:1-14; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-11; 13:10-17; 14:1-6). He declared Himself the “Lord of the Sabbath,” with the prerogative to teach proper observance (Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5). Jesus instructed His followers to pray that their flight from Judea at the end would not occur on the Sabbath (Matthew 24:20), indicating its observance would continue.
In Mark’s gospel, Jesus’ Sabbath healings are followed by these key statements:
And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27-28)
Here Jesus declares the Sabbath was established at creation for the benefit of humanity. As Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus then affirms appropriate Sabbath activities that show concern for human needs take priority over strict prohibitions against work.
Jesus taught that Sabbath observance involves rest, worship, and doing good
The gospel accounts provide examples of Jesus’ Sabbath practice that can inform ours today:
- Jesus attended synagogue services on Sabbath to participate in public worship (Luke 4:16).
- Jesus took time on Sabbath to withdraw for prayer and communion with the Father, modeling the importance of spiritual disciplines (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12).
- Jesus taught in the synagogues on Sabbath, instructing people in God’s ways (Mark 1:21; 6:2; Luke 4:31).
- Jesus brought physical and spiritual healing to the sick and oppressed (Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 1:21-28; Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-4; John 5:1-18).
From Christ’s example, we see that appropriate Sabbath activities include: public and private worship, prayer, Bible study, acts of mercy, and sharing the gospel. However, servile work aimed at financial profit or worldly pursuits should be set aside.
Jesus condemned legalistic traditions that undermined God’s purposes for Sabbath
While defending Sabbath observance, Jesus often clashed with Jewish religious leaders over man-made traditions that undermined divine purposes for the Sabbath. He spoke against these human innovations:
- Restrictions against relief of human suffering – Healing the sick and injured takes priority over Sabbath regulations (Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-6).
- Rigid prohibitions against essential activities – Actions such as eating from a field or rescuing animals are lawful on Sabbath when necessary (Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5).
- Legalistic definitions of “work” – Activities such as walking longer distances, carrying mats, making mud paste, etc. were prohibited though not specifically defined as “work” in Scripture (John 5:2-18; 7:21-24; 9:14-16).
- Hypocritical man-made regulations – Banning minor activities while allowable exceptions undermined the spirit behind Sabbath rest (Matthew 12:11-12; Luke 13:15).
Christ condemned elevating human traditions over God’s commands and hard-hearted legalism that lacks mercy. The purpose of Sabbath is spiritual restoration, public worship, and doing good for others.
Jesus indicated the Sabbath foreshadows the future Kingdom of God
The weekly Sabbath day points forward to a future, greater rest to be realized in Christ’s messianic kingdom. The Book of Hebrews develops this concept, applying Psalm 95:7-11 to teach that a Sabbath-rest still remains for God’s people, when they will cease from their own works as God ceased from His (Hebrews 4:1-10). The coming Kingdom of God is typified by the millennial reign of Jesus Christ described in Revelation 20:1-6, when God’s presence will bring perfect peace and restoration.
Jesus tied this future realization to himself and his redemptive work, declaring:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)
Entering God’s Kingdom rest requires accepting Christ’s lordship. The Sabbath looks forward to the greater rest found only in Him.
Jesus demonstrated proper Sabbath observance
Christ’s teachings and examples reflect the true spirit and intent of Sabbath observance. Key principles demonstrated by Jesus include:
- The Sabbath was made for the benefit of all people and continues as God’s command (Mark 2:27).
- God desires mercy and care for human needs over empty ritual (Matthew 12:7; Mark 2:27).
- Necessary activities to relieve suffering are lawful on Sabbath (Luke 13:15-16; 14:5).
- Essential habits such as eating are not prohibited on Sabbath (Mark 2:27).
- Public and private worship, prayer, and Bible study should mark the Sabbath (Luke 4:16).
- Doing good for others through acts of service and sharing the gospel is encouraged (Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-6).
- Common labors aimed at financial profit or worldly pursuits should be set aside (Exodus 20:8-11).
In summary, the Sabbath involves consecrating the day to spiritual pursuits while resting from secular business and labor. Activities that honor God, show mercy, and benefit others are lawful and encouraged.
Jesus offers true rest for the soul
Most importantly, Jesus Christ Himself is the divine Lord over the Sabbath who alone can provide the soul rest and salvation promised in the gospel (Matthew 11:28-29). The weekly Sabbath observance points forward to the eternal rest found only in Christ (Hebrews 4:1-10). Appropriate Sabbath-keeping involves accepting His lordship over our lives.
The teachings and example of Jesus provide the essential framework for understanding God’s purposes in instituting this sacred day of rest. As the Lord of the Sabbath, Christ demonstrated the true spirit behind Sabbath observance.
Conclusion
Jesus strongly affirmed the importance of the weekly Sabbath, correcting errant views with proper teaching and modeling appropriate observance in His own practice. He condemned hypocritical legalism that undermined divine purposes for the Sabbath – spiritual renewal, public worship, and doing good for others. Most importantly, only Christ can provide the true rest for our souls, which the Sabbath typifies. The Lord’s Day points forward to the eternal rest with God we can only enter through faith in Jesus Christ.