Compassion Over Tradition: Understanding True Sabbath Rest
Summary
In Matthew 12:9-14, we encounter a profound lesson about the Sabbath and the heart of God. Jesus enters a synagogue and is confronted with a man whose hand is withered. The Pharisees, seeking to trap Jesus, ask if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Jesus responds with a question, highlighting the hypocrisy of their traditions. He points out that if a sheep falls into a pit on the Sabbath, they would rescue it, emphasizing that a human being is far more valuable than a sheep. This interaction reveals the heart of God, which prioritizes mercy and compassion over rigid adherence to man-made rules.
The Sabbath, as Jesus teaches, is not about legalistic observance but about understanding God's mercy and rest. The Pharisees' hearts were hardened, unable to see the truth and grace that Jesus embodied. They were more concerned with their traditions than with the well-being of the man in need. Jesus, however, demonstrates that doing good and showing compassion is always lawful, even on the Sabbath. This challenges us to examine our own hearts and priorities, ensuring that we do not elevate traditions above the love and mercy that God calls us to embody.
The Sabbath rest that Jesus offers is a rest from striving to earn God's acceptance. It is a rest found in the finished work of Christ, who makes us acceptable to God. This rest is not about ceasing from physical labor but about ceasing from the spiritual labor of trying to earn God's favor. It is an invitation to trust in Jesus' work on the cross, which makes us children of God. As children, we are called to live lives that please God, not to earn His acceptance, but because we are already accepted in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Value of Compassion Over Tradition: Jesus teaches that compassion and mercy should always take precedence over rigid adherence to tradition. The Pharisees' focus on legalism blinded them to the needs of the man with the withered hand. We must ensure that our hearts are aligned with God's heart, prioritizing love and mercy over rules. [21:17]
2. Understanding True Sabbath Rest: The Sabbath is not merely a day of rest but a symbol of the rest we find in Christ. It is a rest from striving to earn God's acceptance, as Jesus has already made us acceptable through His sacrifice. This rest invites us to trust in His finished work. [50:00]
3. The Danger of Hardened Hearts: The Pharisees' refusal to humble themselves and accept Jesus' teaching led to hardened hearts. We must be open to correction and reproof, allowing God's truth to transform us rather than resisting it. A humble heart is receptive to God's wisdom. [36:53]
4. The Freedom in Christ Regarding the Sabbath: Believers have the freedom to observe the Sabbath or not, as long as their actions are done in gratitude to God. This freedom should lead to love and unity among believers, rather than judgment or division. [44:51]
5. Living to Please God as His Children: As children of God, our desire should be to live lives that please Him, not to earn His acceptance, but because we are already accepted. This desire is a mark of true faith and should motivate us to pursue holiness out of love and gratitude. [52:25]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Introduction to the Sabbath
[02:09] - The Scene in the Synagogue
[04:07] - The Question of Sabbath Observance
[05:39] - Jesus Challenges the Pharisees
[07:00] - The Pharisees' Options
[08:57] - The Synagogue of Satan
[10:08] - Jesus' Fearless Teaching
[11:35] - The Purpose of Jesus' Ministry
[12:36] - The Pharisees' Hardened Hearts
[15:26] - The Man with the Withered Hand
[16:51] - The Trap Set by the Pharisees
[18:13] - The Mishnah and Sabbath Rules
[20:22] - Jesus' Compassion and Power
[29:48] - The Lawfulness of Doing Good
[32:57] - The Pharisees' Response
[36:53] - The Danger of Hardened Hearts
[44:51] - Freedom in Observing the Sabbath
[50:00] - True Rest in Christ
[54:15] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 12:9-14
Observation Questions:
1. What was the Pharisees' intention when they asked Jesus if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath? [16:51]
2. How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees' question about healing on the Sabbath, and what example did He use to illustrate His point? [20:22]
3. What was the reaction of the Pharisees after Jesus healed the man with the withered hand? [32:57]
4. How does the sermon describe the condition of the Pharisees' hearts, and what choice did they make after witnessing Jesus' actions? [35:58]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Jesus prioritize compassion and mercy over strict adherence to Sabbath laws, and how does this reflect the heart of God? [29:48]
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of true Sabbath rest in Christ, and what does it mean for believers today? [50:00]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the danger of having a hardened heart, and how can believers guard against this? [36:53]
4. How does the freedom in Christ regarding the Sabbath encourage unity among believers, according to the sermon? [44:51]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you prioritized tradition or rules over showing compassion. How can you ensure that your actions align more closely with the heart of God in the future? [29:48]
2. In what ways are you currently striving to earn God's acceptance, and how can you embrace the rest that Jesus offers through His finished work on the cross? [50:00]
3. Consider a situation where you have resisted correction or reproof. How can you cultivate a humble heart that is open to God's wisdom and transformation? [36:53]
4. How do you personally observe the Sabbath, and how does your practice reflect your understanding of freedom in Christ? [44:51]
5. Identify an area in your life where you feel burdened by the need to perform or achieve. How can you shift your focus to living as a child of God who is already accepted in Christ? [52:25]
6. Think of a relationship where you have experienced division due to differing beliefs or practices. How can you foster love and unity in that relationship, even if you disagree on certain issues? [46:49]
7. What specific steps can you take this week to live a life that pleases God, not to earn His acceptance, but out of gratitude for being accepted in Christ? [52:25]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Compassion Over Tradition
In Matthew 12:9-14, Jesus challenges the Pharisees' rigid adherence to tradition by emphasizing the value of compassion and mercy. When confronted with the question of whether it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath, Jesus highlights the hypocrisy of the Pharisees by pointing out that they would rescue a sheep on the Sabbath, yet they question healing a man. This interaction reveals God's heart, which prioritizes mercy over legalism. Jesus teaches that compassion should always take precedence over tradition, urging us to align our hearts with God's by prioritizing love and mercy. [21:17]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: Think of a tradition or rule you follow that might be hindering you from showing compassion. How can you prioritize mercy in that situation today?
Day 2: True Sabbath Rest
The Sabbath, as taught by Jesus, is not merely a day of rest but a symbol of the rest we find in Christ. It represents a rest from striving to earn God's acceptance, as Jesus has already made us acceptable through His sacrifice. This rest invites us to trust in His finished work on the cross, which makes us children of God. It is not about ceasing from physical labor but about ceasing from the spiritual labor of trying to earn God's favor. As believers, we are called to embrace this rest and live in the freedom it provides. [50:00]
Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV): "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still striving to earn God's acceptance? How can you embrace the rest that Jesus offers today?
Day 3: The Danger of Hardened Hearts
The Pharisees' refusal to humble themselves and accept Jesus' teaching led to hardened hearts. They were unable to see the truth and grace that Jesus embodied because they were more concerned with their traditions. This serves as a warning to us to remain open to correction and reproof, allowing God's truth to transform us rather than resisting it. A humble heart is receptive to God's wisdom and is willing to change when confronted with the truth. [36:53]
Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have resisted God's truth? How can you open your heart to His correction and transformation today?
Day 4: Freedom in Christ Regarding the Sabbath
Believers have the freedom to observe the Sabbath or not, as long as their actions are done in gratitude to God. This freedom should lead to love and unity among believers, rather than judgment or division. The focus should be on the heart's intention and the gratitude expressed to God, rather than on the specific observance of the day. This freedom in Christ allows us to live in harmony with one another, respecting each other's convictions while prioritizing love and unity. [44:51]
Colossians 2:16-17 (ESV): "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."
Reflection: How can you practice gratitude and unity with fellow believers who may have different convictions about observing the Sabbath?
Day 5: Living to Please God as His Children
As children of God, our desire should be to live lives that please Him, not to earn His acceptance, but because we are already accepted in Christ. This desire is a mark of true faith and should motivate us to pursue holiness out of love and gratitude. Our actions should reflect our identity as God's children, living in a way that honors Him and demonstrates our love for Him. This is not about legalism but about a genuine relationship with God that transforms our lives. [52:25]
1 John 3:1-2 (ESV): "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."
Reflection: In what ways can you live today that reflect your identity as a child of God? How can your actions demonstrate your love and gratitude to Him?
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Quotes
"And they questioned Jesus saying, is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath so that they might? And he said to them, what man is there among you who has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep? So then it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." [00:01:17] (39 seconds)
"Jesus says in Matthew 23 that these Pharisees have set themselves in the chair of Moses. In other words, they are the ones who interpret the law. They are the final say on the law. So have you not read in the law? We are the ones who interpret the law and give the law to the people. That's offensive to them." [00:06:13] (18 seconds)
"Instead, they decided to be arrogant. They decided to be just set in their ways. They decided to harden their own hearts. They were not going to listen. And it's that backdrop where he had really spoken truth, rebuked, reproved the Pharisees and they resisted. And so he departs from there and then he gives a location. He went into the and I want you to note this, their synagogue." [00:07:49] (37 seconds)
"Because the Pharisees are the ones who teach in that synagogue and they are teaching not the commands of God, not the truth of God, not the mercy of God. They are teaching the traditions of men. They are teaching their false religion. And this is interesting because to Smyrna in Revelation 2 .10, Jesus says this, I know your tribulation and your poverty, but you are rich." [00:08:57] (26 seconds)
"All false teaching, by the way church, you need to understand all false teaching has its root in Satan. Has he really said? That's where it all begins. Did God really say this? And all false teaching stems out of Satan. It's all demonic. It's all wicked. We need to understand that. Sometimes we think demonic is the most heinous acts we can think of. No, demonic is simply unbelief, wisdom from below." [00:10:11] (25 seconds)
"Jesus came to preach and to teach. I know he did a lot more than that. But that was one of the primary purposes of his earthly ministry was to proclaim God to the people. To proclaim the truth to the people. They didn't have good shepherds and he comes and shepherds them to teach the truth about God. Yes, he came to give his life. I understand that, but this is a primary reason he's here is to preach and to teach." [00:11:44] (25 seconds)
"And they question Jesus, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him? Why do they ask this question? So that they might accuse him. This is very important. They ask him a question about the law. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? But their entire purpose in asking that question isn't, What's your opinion? Their purpose is, We're going to get you on this." [00:16:22] (29 seconds)
"Jesus here answers a question with a question. There's a lot of wisdom in doing that. There's a lot of wisdom and when someone asks you a question and you feel like they're trying to trap you it's a lot of wisdom and just saying let me ask you a question I do that often even when I'm not in the church I'm not in the church somebody's not trying to trap me just to because I want to understand the question they're asking when I'm counseling someone a lot of times I'm just trying to gain more information." [00:22:22] (26 seconds)
"And so now Jesus totally has them right where he wants them when he says this, so then it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. That's the conclusion. It is lawful, it is within the law of God to do good on the Sabbath. It's always lawful, church. It's always lawful to do good to someone. God's law was never intended to prompt you to not do good for someone else especially. That's never the intention. That's never the intention of God's law." [00:29:15] (45 seconds)
"God would never say I don't want you to do something good for that other person. God would never say I don't want you to do something good for that other person. I don't want you to do that. No, it's always lawful. How twisted these people have made the law of God to make it wrong, unlawful to do good to someone else. How wicked, how perverted had they made the law of God? It wasn't the law of God, was it? It was the law of men. And that's really what they were teaching." [00:30:56] (26 seconds)
"Because you can't do it. We all fall short of the glory of God. And that will wear you out. Will it not? You will be so worn out by trying to be acceptable to God. So what does Jesus say? Come to me. And I'll make you acceptable to God. I'll make you a child of God. That's rest. Come to me. I'll make you a child. By you coming to me and humbling yourself before me and trusting in me and hoping in me, you gain the right to become a child of God. You're accepted on the work of Christ alone. He did the work." [00:49:04] (50 seconds)
"Is there within you a desire to please God? Not out of finding acceptance, but out of the grace and the mercy and the love that he has shown to you. And if there's that desire there, beloved, and it's a desire not to think that I'm going to become a child of God, but I am a child of God, and I just want to obey him, and I fall short, but I have this desire. Let me tell you, keep struggling, keep fighting, because I believe that makes you a son or daughter of God." [00:52:25] (33 seconds)
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