Two Sabbaths

Introduction

The Gospel of Luke 4.2.5. Concerning the Sabbath (6:1-11)

Following Jesus’ inaugural address in 4:16–30 is a series of pericopae that, at first glance, appear episodic and unrelated; on closer inspection, however, we see how these scenes, one after the other, yield a narrative strategy whereby Luke highlights the new situation marked by the onset of Jesus’ ministry (see 4:21). Luke uses each incident to further his characterization of Jesus’ mission, each building on prior material and preparing for the next

The Gospel of Luke 4.2.5. Concerning the Sabbath (6:1-11)

With the opening words of v 6, “on another sabbath,” the two incidents recorded in 6:1–11 are connected, both chronologically and topically, more closely than the previous episodes are related

Sabbath occurs 6 time (1, 2, 5, 6, 7,, 9)

The Gospel of Luke 4.2.5. Concerning the Sabbath (6:1-11)

The focus of this pericope, then, is Jesus’ controversy with the Pharisees regarding what is lawful on the Sabbath—and, more importantly, Jesus’ capacity to determine what constitutes acceptable Sabbath observance

vs 1-5 Jesus’ claim of Authority

6-10 Jesus illustrates his authority

11 Pharisees’ response

“Have your not read” vs. 3

“Is it lawful . . . “ vs 9

The Gospel of Luke 4.2.5. Concerning the Sabbath (6:1-11)

In both instances, Jesus’ analysis is the same: Scribal specifications have missed the salvific purpose of God resident in the Sabbath,94 but Jesus, in declaring the onset of the eschatological Jubilee (see above on 4:18–19), has made this day (“today,” 4:21) the day for providing for humans. Jesus is less concerned with abrogating Sabbath law, and more concerned with bringing the grace of God to concrete expression in his own ministry, not least on the Sabbath;95 what is more, according to Luke, as lord of the Sabbath he has the authority to do just that!

vs. 1-2

Not what the disciples are doing, but when they are doing it. - on the Sabbath

Not stealing Deut 23:25

Deuteronomy 23:25 ESV

25 If you go into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor’s standing grain.

VS 3-5

Jesus answers for the disciples

“Have you not read” or “Do you not understand?”

Authority

Luke 5:24 ESV

24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

vss. 6-7

Jesus is teaching on the Sabbath

vss. 8-10

Jesus knows the malevolent thoughts

Jesus instructs the man to stand

Jesus speaks to the Pharisees

they were silent (Mark 3:4)

The Gospel of Luke 4.2.5. Concerning the Sabbath (6:1-11)

Against these Pharisees and scribes, Jesus refuses to represent Sabbath observance as a litmus test for faithfulness to God. More fundamental for him is God’s design to save—a purpose that is not incompatible with Sabbath observance but, in fact, is embodied in God’s purpose for the Sabbath.

The Gospel of Luke 4.2.5. Concerning the Sabbath (6:1-11)

Against the backdrop of the developing narrative, though, we can maintain that in this one scene, with reference to this one man with a crippled hand, we are to see an expression of Jesus’ mediation of God’s eschatological redemption. For Jesus, “today,” including the Sabbath day, is the day when divine salvation is available to those who need it (see 4:21). What, then, is the nexus between Sabbath and healing in this instance? Jesus’ ministry “… restores to the sabbath command its profound significance: restoration of human beings in their integrity as part of God’s creation.”110

Luke 4:21 ESV

21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Hebrews 4:8–9 ESV

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God,

Hebrews 4:1–11 ESV

1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’ ” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” 5 And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” 6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.