Lord of the Sabbath - Sep. 8th, 2024
Luke: Living in Light of Promise • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 1:34:09
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· 17 viewsJesus teaches us that compassion and mercy take precedence over rigid legalism.
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Lord of the Sabbath
1 And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? 3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was a hungred, and they which were with him; 4 how he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? 5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Introduction
Introduction
• Trigger: "How often do we follow rules and miss the heart of worship?"
o Pharisees vs. Jesus on Sabbath rules.
In Luke 6:1-5, we see a direct confrontation between the Pharisees and Jesus over the interpretation of Sabbath rules. The Pharisees were committed to a strict and legalistic observance of the Sabbath, viewing any act that resembled "work" as a violation of God’s command to rest on this holy day. For them, plucking grain—even to satisfy hunger—constituted work and was therefore forbidden.
Jesus, however, challenges this narrow interpretation. He demonstrates that the Sabbath was given for man’s benefit, not to burden or restrict acts of mercy and necessity. By defending His disciples' actions and invoking the example of David (1 Samuel 21:1-6), Jesus reframes the purpose of the Sabbath, showing that human need and mercy are more important than rigid rule-keeping. His declaration that He is “Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:5 KJV) reveals His authority to interpret and fulfill the true intent behind God's commandments.
This confrontation is more than just a debate over rules; it is a deeper revelation of the heart of God's law—a law grounded in love, mercy, and the well-being of people.
Illustration: Refusing to help because “it’s not allowed.”
Churches Ignoring the Cry for Help During the Holocaust
During the Holocaust, it was reported that some churches in Nazi-occupied Europe would carry on with their services while trains filled with Jewish prisoners passed by, on their way to concentration camps. The cries for help from the trains were heard by those inside the churches, but many simply sang their hymns louder to drown out the sound. The rigid adherence to routine and tradition became an excuse to ignore the desperate needs right outside their doors.
In the same way, the Pharisees in Luke 6:1–5 focused so much on the rules of the Sabbath that they missed the opportunity to show mercy to the hungry disciples. Jesus, however, broke through this legalism to prioritize compassion over ritual, reminding us that religious practices are not an excuse to ignore human suffering.
This historical example reminds us of the dangers of putting rules, traditions, or even fear above the call to act with mercy. It echoes the words of Micah 6:8:
8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good;
And what doth the Lord require of thee,
But to do justly, and to love mercy,
And to walk humbly with thy God?
• Purpose: Explore how Jesus redefines religious practice.
o Proposition: Mercy over legalism. Luke 6:1–5
Main Thought:
Jesus teaches us that compassion and mercy take precedence over rigid legalism.
Body:
I. The Disciples' Action (v.1-2):
I. The Disciples' Action (v.1-2):
• Trigger: Disciples pluck grain on Sabbath.
o Pharisees: Focused on rules (Deut. 23:25 vs. their view of Ex. 20:10)
The Pharisees in Luke 6:1-5 were strictly focused on enforcing the letter of the law, particularly the rules regarding the Sabbath. According to Deuteronomy 23:25 (KJV), it was lawful for a person to pluck grain with their hand while walking through a neighbor’s field to satisfy hunger, as long as no harvesting tools were used. This provision was intended to meet basic human needs without violating property rights or engaging in labor.
25 When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour’s, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour’s standing corn.
However, the Pharisees interpreted this action through the lens of Exodus 20:10 (KJV), which commands that no work be done on the Sabbath. In their rigid interpretation, they viewed the disciples’ act of plucking grain as "work" and thus a violation of the Sabbath. Their focus was on the strict observance of the rule—"no work on the Sabbath"—without considering the spirit of the law, which was meant to promote rest and renewal, not to prohibit meeting basic needs.
10 but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
This legalistic approach reflects the Pharisees' tendency to prioritize rules over relationships and compassion, missing the broader purpose of God's commands. In contrast, Jesus emphasized that mercy and human need should take precedence over rigid adherence to rules, as seen in His declaration, “The Son of Man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Luke 6:5 KJV).
Illustration: Prioritizing Form Over People in Church Life (Practical Example)
Consider a church where tradition dictates that certain programs must be followed without deviation—such as the requirement to wear formal attire for worship or adhere strictly to longstanding ministry methods. One Sunday, a long-time member suggests starting a new outreach to support local homeless shelters, but the idea is quickly dismissed because "that's not how we've always done it." The church is more focused on maintaining its traditional forms of ministry—upholding the established ways things are done—than on responding to new opportunities to serve people in need.
In this case, the tradition, though meaningful, became a barrier to embracing a fresh opportunity to minister to others. The church’s form, while well-intentioned, overshadowed the opportunity to fulfill its mission of compassion.
This echoes the situation in Luke 6:1–5, where the Pharisees prioritized the form of Sabbath observance over the disciples’ basic human need for food. Jesus, however, placed people first, emphasizing mercy over rigid adherence to tradition. His words in Matthew 12:7 remind us,
7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
• Application: Are we focused more on rules than relationships?
o Matthew 23:23: “...you have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy...”
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
While modern phrases like, “It’s not about religion (or rules); it’s about relationship,” may sound appealing on the surface, they often overlook a critical truth: a genuine relationship with God requires obedience to His Word. Scripture makes this clear from the very beginning in Genesis 2-3. Adam and Eve’s relationship with God was broken when they disobeyed His command, demonstrating that obedience is foundational to being in a right relationship with God.
How does this impact our point in Luke 6:1-5? Jesus is not dismissing the importance of the law or obedience to God’s commands. Instead, He is reorienting the heart behind obedience. True obedience isn’t about following rules for their own sake but understanding that the purpose of God’s commands is to promote mercy, love, and human flourishing. Jesus’ defense of His disciples shows that following God’s law requires both obedience and a heart of compassion.
As believers, we are called to obey God’s Word fully, but we must also understand that the heart of His commands is love for Him and for others (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV).
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
The Pharisees in this passage were focused on rigidly enforcing the rules, but they missed the relational aspect of God's commands—one that puts mercy first without abandoning the need for obedience. A true relationship with God is one that honors His commands through the lens of love, mercy, and compassion.
II. Jesus Refers to David’s Example (v.3-4):
II. Jesus Refers to David’s Example (v.3-4):
• Trigger: David eats consecrated bread. (1 Samuel 21:1–6)
1 Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? 2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place. 3 Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present. 4 And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women. 5 And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel. 6 So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the Lord, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.
o David's need > Ceremonial law.
o Jesus elevates human need above rules.
In 1 Samuel 21:1–6, David, fleeing from King Saul, arrives at the tabernacle and requests food from the priest, Ahimelech. Since no ordinary bread is available, Ahimelech gives David the consecrated bread—bread that was usually reserved for the priests. In this moment of need, the ceremonial law is set aside to meet a human necessity, demonstrating that the preservation of life takes precedence over strict ritual observance.
When Jesus refers to this account in Luke 6:1-5, He draws a parallel to the actions of His disciples, who plucked grain on the Sabbath to satisfy their hunger. Just as David was given the consecrated bread in a moment of need, Jesus emphasizes that human need outweighs rigid adherence to the law. The Pharisees, much like Doeg the Edomite in the original story, are focused on the technical violation of the law, while Jesus highlights the principle of mercy over sacrifice.
This comparison would resonate with the Pharisees, placing them in the role of Doeg, who reported David's actions without considering the human need behind them. Jesus, however, shows that compassion should guide religious observance, not blind legalism.
• Application: Compassion > Ritual.
o Are we willing to break from legalism when mercy demands it?
In Family Life, think about the rules and expectations we set for ourselves and our loved ones. Maybe it’s a strict household rule, like finishing all chores before relaxing, but your spouse or child is exhausted after a difficult day. Are we willing to set aside the rule to show mercy and allow rest, recognizing that sometimes compassion is more important than enforcing routine?
At Work, consider a scenario where a colleague makes a mistake or misses a deadline. The company has rules and policies in place, but do we seek to enforce those rules rigidly, or do we show understanding and kindness, knowing that everyone faces struggles and challenges? Colossians 3:12 (KJV) reminds us to put on “bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
In School, think about situations where a classmate might fall behind or miss a deadline due to personal difficulties. Instead of being critical or insisting on the rules, do we offer help and support, recognizing that a kind word or act of assistance can make all the difference in someone’s life?
In the Community, consider how we respond to those in need—perhaps someone who is homeless or struggling financially. Instead of focusing on the reasons they might have ended up in that situation, are we willing to respond with mercy and lend a helping hand, even when it may inconvenience us? James 2:13 (KJV) reminds us, “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
o Hosea 6:6: “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice...”
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice;
And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
III. Jesus Declares His Authority (v.5):
III. Jesus Declares His Authority (v.5):
• Trigger: "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
o Jesus redefines religious observance.
Jesus redefines religious observance by shifting the focus from external rituals and strict rule-keeping to the heart of God's law—mercy, compassion, and meeting human need. In Luke 6:1-5, Jesus challenges the Pharisees' legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath, which prioritized adherence to the letter of the law over the well-being of individuals. By defending His disciples' actions of plucking grain on the Sabbath, Jesus highlights that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27 KJV). He emphasizes that the purpose of the Sabbath, and by extension all religious observance, is to serve humanity and promote rest, renewal, and mercy.
27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
Jesus’ declaration in Luke 6:5 (KJV)—“The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath”—reveals that He has authority over the very religious structures that the Pharisees sought to protect. His lordship redefines how religious practices are to be understood: they are not ends in themselves but means to draw closer to God and reflect His character of love and compassion. The Sabbath, a symbol of rest and reliance on God, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who offers true rest for the weary soul (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV).
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Through this passage, Jesus teaches that religious observance is not about rigid adherence to rituals but about demonstrating God's heart of mercy. The rules were designed to bless and serve people, not to be oppressive. Thus, Jesus calls His followers to embody the principles of love, mercy, and compassion in all aspects of religious life, making clear that the heart of worship is not ritual, but relationships—both with God and with others.
o Isaiah 58:13–14: Sabbath is about delighting in the Lord, not burdensome rules.
13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath,
From doing thy pleasure on my holy day;
And call the sabbath a delight,
The holy of the Lord, honourable;
And shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways,
Nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord;
And I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth,
And feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father:
For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Isaiah 58:13-14 Paraphrase:
If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy and honor, rather than focusing on your own pursuits or desires, and if you take delight in the things of the Lord, then God will bless you richly. You will find true joy in Him, and He will lift you up and guide you with His care, just as He promised to sustain His people throughout the ages.
• Application: Are we living under Christ's Lordship, putting mercy first?
Quote - “We see here the divine principle that human need must not be subjected to cold legalism—that God desires ‘mercy not sacrifice.’... Jesus’ powerful Biblical reasoning put them off balance... Extending the implications of Jesus’ being ‘Lord of the Sabbath,’ there is a sense in which He is the Sabbath because He supplies in His person everything the Sabbath was meant to give—peace, rest, restoration, communion... Jesus has come to mercifully meet the needs of His people... as ‘Lord of the Sabbath,’ He shows mercy and meets our deepest spiritual needs—regeneration, renewal, peace, rest.” ~ R. Kent Hughes
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
• Trigger: How do we show grace in a world of legalism?
o Focus on people, not procedure.
Yes, procedures are important—they provide structure, order, and predictability in our families, workplaces, schools, and communities. However, as Jesus demonstrated in Luke 6:1-5, procedures and rules should always serve people, not become barriers to helping them. The key is to maintain balance—a healthy respect for procedures without allowing them to override the priority of mercy and compassion.
Recognize the Purpose of Procedures: Procedures are designed to create order, but they should never be an end in themselves. Luke 6:1-5 shows that the Sabbath’s rules were meant to benefit people, not burden them. Ask yourself: Is the procedure helping people, or is it causing harm by being too rigid?
Who Benefits? In every situation, we should ask: Who is benefiting from this procedure? If a procedure is protecting someone’s well-being, then it should be upheld. But if it prioritizes the system at the expense of mercy, it needs reconsideration. Matthew 23:23 (KJV) warns against prioritizing minor details while neglecting “the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.”
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Be Flexible: Like Jesus bending the Sabbath rules to care for His disciples, we must be willing to adapt procedures when human need demands it. Procedures must have flexibility to respond to compassion, without losing their overall importance.
Focus on People, Not Procedure: Procedures should serve people. Whether in church, work, or home, we need to prioritize compassion and mercy above rigid rule-keeping. Colossians 3:14 (KJV) reminds us: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Love must always guide how we manage rules and procedures.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
The balance comes by asking: Is this procedure serving people, or are we serving the procedure? Just as Jesus prioritized mercy over strict observance of the Sabbath, we too must recognize when compassion must take precedence over rules.
8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good;
And what doth the Lord require of thee,
But to do justly, and to love mercy,
And to walk humbly with thy God?
• Invitation: Jesus calls us to live under His grace, free from the burden of rules. Will we follow His example?
Jesus calls us to live under His grace, not free from rules, but free from the burden of legalism and the corruption of man-made traditions. Jesus Himself lived in perfect obedience and harmony with the Father. He walked in sinless perfection, fulfilling every command of God, never allowing rules to become burdensome or twisted by the sinful nature of humanity.
As 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV) reminds us: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Jesus bore the ultimate burden—our sin—so that we could be set free from the penalty of the law and live in the righteousness that only He provides. His obedience was flawless; His burden was not that of rules, but of the sin of the world.
The invitation, then, is to follow His example, not by disregarding God’s commands, but by living in the freedom that comes from a heart transformed by His grace. We are called to walk in obedience to God’s Word, as Jesus did, but not under the heavy yoke of legalism. Instead, we walk in the freedom of His grace, resting in the truth that our righteousness is found in Him alone.
Will we choose to follow His example—living under grace, obedient to the Father, and free from the corruption of man-made burdens?
Key Quotes & Scripture Cross References (For Memorization):
• Matthew 12:7 (KJV): “But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.”
• Hosea 6:6 (KJV): “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
• Micah 6:8 (KJV): “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
• Mark 2:27 (KJV): “And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.”
• Matthew 23:23 (KJV): “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”
Trigger Definitions (For Clarity):
• Mercy: Compassion that trumps legalism.
• Legalism: Adherence to the letter of the law without regard for the heart behind it.
Final Call (Memorization Prompt):
• “Lord of the Sabbath” — Jesus redefines the Sabbath to prioritize mercy over legalism.
