The Lord of Our Sabbath - Rest, Compassion, and Kingdom Values

Luke 6:1-11

Luke 6:1–11 “On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful…”

I. The Scene: Confronting Legalism (Luke 6:1-5)

When Religious Laws Are Not God’s Laws

Context: Once again, we find Jesus and His disciples being confronted by the Pharisees—this time as they walk through the grainfields on the Sabbath. The disciples, feeling hungry, pluck and eat some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. While this was an innocuous act, the Pharisees take notice and object, accusing them of breaking Sabbath laws: “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” (Luke 6:2).

The True Law of God: According to the Old Testament law, it was permissible for passersby to help themselves to basic necessities from a grainfield (Leviticus 23:22). This act of gleaning was designed to reflect God’s generosity and provision for those in need. By no means were Jesus and His disciples breaking the law of God.

The Pharisees’ Traditions: The Pharisees, however, were not content with God’s law standing on its own. Over time, they added more than a thousand additional rules about Sabbath keeping. These man-made traditions turned even simple acts, like plucking grain, into so-called violations of the Sabbath.

Jesus’ Response:

Jesus references King David’s actions in 1 Samuel 21:1-6, when David and his men ate consecrated bread meant only for priests. By drawing this parallel, Jesus highlights that human need—whether hunger, healing, or restoration—supersedes ceremonial regulations.

He then declares, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:5), underscoring His authority over the law and His power to interpret its true meaning.

Key Takeaway: The Pharisees prioritized the letter of the law over its spirit, misunderstanding the Sabbath’s purpose as a gift for humanity. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and reveals that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).

Application: Are there ways in which we, too, have allowed man-made traditions or rigid rules to overshadow God’s intended purpose for His commands? How can we ensure that our faith practices align with the spirit of love, mercy, and compassion that Jesus embodies?

The Healing: Restoring Wholeness on the Sabbath (Luke 6:6-10)

On another Sabbath, Jesus enters the synagogue, where a man with a withered hand is present. The Pharisees, ever watchful for an opportunity to accuse Him, observe His every move. Their focus is not on the suffering of the man but on their rigid interpretation of the Sabbath law, revealing hearts hardened by legalism.

Jesus, aware of their intentions, boldly confronts their hypocrisy with a question: “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9). This rhetorical question challenges their distorted priorities, forcing them to grapple with the true purpose of the Sabbath.

Restoration and the Sabbath

When Jesus heals the man, His action goes beyond mere physical restoration. It signifies the arrival of God’s kingdom—a kingdom characterized by healing, freedom, and renewal. This healing reflects God’s character, as the Sabbath itself was instituted not as a burden, but as a gift for humanity (Genesis 2:3, Mark 2:27).

Theologically, Jesus demonstrates that acts of mercy and restoration are fully aligned with the spirit of the Sabbath. As Augustine writes, “Love God, and do what you will.” True love for God naturally leads to actions of compassion and goodness, even if they challenge traditional norms.

Jesus exposes the Pharisees’ shallow religiosity, echoing God’s rebuke in Hosea 6:6 “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

A Deeper Symbolism:

The man with the withered hand symbolizes the spiritual condition of humanity—crippled and in need of restoration. Just as Jesus restores the man’s hand, He restores humanity through His redemptive work. His action on the Sabbath foreshadows the ultimate rest and restoration He offers through His death and resurrection

The healed hand becomes a living testimony to God’s power and grace. Similarly, believers are called to be living testimonies, extending God’s mercy and healing to others (2 Corinthians 5:18–20 “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

A Kingdom Perspective

Jesus’ actions redefine the Sabbath as a time not only for rest but for participating in God’s restorative work. This aligns with Isaiah’s vision of the Messiah’s mission: “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).

N.T. Wright emphasizes that Jesus’s healings are signs of the in-breaking kingdom of God—a glimpse of the restoration of all creation. The Sabbath, then, is a foretaste of the ultimate rest and renewal that will come in the new heavens and the new earth (Revelation 21:1-5)

Application: Living Out Restorative Work

The Sabbath challenges us to align our hearts with God’s purposes. How can we embody the restorative principles Jesus modeled? Here are practical takeaways:

Show Compassion: Actively seek opportunities to meet the needs of those around you. As Paul urges “Let us not grow weary of doing good” (Galatians 6:9).

Challenge Legalism: Where traditional or societal norms hinder acts of mercy, dare to follow Jesus’s example of prioritizing love over rigid adherence to rules.

Participate in God’s Healing Work: Whether through prayer, acts of service, or advocacy, we are invited to partner with God in bringing healing and renewal to a broken world.

Jesus’s healing on the Sabbath reveals the heart of God’s kingdom: a place where mercy triummphs over judgment (James 2:13 “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” ), where love fulfills the law (Romans 13:10 “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”), and where the weary find true rest in Him (Matthew 11:28–30 “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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””).

The Declaration: Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath

Key Insight: Jesus doesn’t abolish the Sabbath but fulfills it by redefining its purpose. It points to Him as the source of true rest and restoration.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us: “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The Sabbath is not merely about physical rest but about spiritual wholeness and trust in God.

Application: True Sabbath rest isn’t found in rigid rules or empty rituals but in relationship with Jesus. Are w finding our ultimate rest and peace in Him?

The Call to Action: Living Out Sabbath Principles

Rest: Embrace intentional time to pause, reflect, and rest in God’s presence. Set aside distractions and trust Him as your provider.

Compassion: Look for opportunities to show mercy and kindness, especially to those in need. The Sabbath is a time to align our hearts with God’s love for others.

Freedom: Remember that the gospel liberates us from legalism and calls us to live in the freedom of Christ. Let go of burdens that rob you of joy and peace.

Conclusion

Revisit the question: What does the Sabbath mean to us today? It’s more than a day—it’s an invitation to experience the rest and restoration found in Christ.

Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath extends His hand to heal, restore, and invite us into the fullness of life. Will you trust Him to be your rest?