Sabbath

something greater. The Sabbath points to Christ (see v. 8) and to the “rest” he gives from the impossible task of earning salvation by good works (cf. 11:28).

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 12

the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath. Jesus does not challenge the Sabbath law itself but rather the Pharisees’ interpretation of it. As Messiah, Jesus authoritatively interprets every aspect of the law (cf. 5:17–48) and here points out the Pharisees’ blindness to the actual intent of the Sabbath—to bring rest and well-being. This final argument in response to the Pharisees’ challenge (12:2) is the decisive argument—that because of who Jesus is, he has the authority to interpret the law.

the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. Christ has the prerogative to rule over not only their man-made sabbatarian rules, but also over the Sabbath itself—which was designed for worshiping God. Again, this was an inescapable claim of deity—and as such it prompted the Pharisees’ violent outrage (v. 14)

New Living Translation Study Bible Chapter 2

Since Jesus is the Lord of humanity (Phil 2:9–11; Eph 1:20–22; 1 Cor 15:25–28) and since the Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people (see notes on Matt 12:3–7), he is Lord … over the Sabbath. As with Jesus’ authority to forgive sins (2:7), this was a claim to divine authority.

The Sabbath was made for man. Jesus next (see note on vv. 25–26) emphasizes that man is not to be confined by the Sabbath but rather that the Sabbath is given as a gift to man (for spiritual and physical refreshment). Again Jesus emphasizes his authority as Son of Man (see Introduction: Key Themes; and note on ). If the Sabbath is for the benefit of mankind, and if the Son of Man is Lord over all mankind, then the Son of Man is surely lord even of the Sabbath.

MacArthur Study Bible NASB Commentary

The Sabbath was made for man. God instituted the Sabbath to benefit man by giving him a day to rest from his labors and to be a blessing to him. The Pharisees turned it into a burden and made man a slave to their myriad of man-made regulations.

Lord even of the Sabbath. Jesus claimed He was greater than the Sabbath, and thus was God. Based on that authority, Jesus could in fact reject the Pharisaic regulations concerning the Sabbath and restore God’s original intention for Sabbath observance to be a blessing not a burden.

Acts 2:46 NLT

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—

since the first believers were all Jewish it seems safe to assume that they continued to participate in Jewish synsgogue and temple worship for some time.

rom14 5-6

Romans 14:5–6 NLT

In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God.

col2;16-17

Colossians 2:16–17 NLT

So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.

gal

Galatians 4:9–10 NLT

So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years.

1cor16

1 Corinthians 16:2 NLT

On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

acts

Acts 20:7 NLT

On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper. Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight.

rev

Revelation 1:10 NLT

It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast.

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