Theology of the Sabbath

[ITS]

Luke often records Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath (chapter 6, 13, and 14). In light of Jesus' words, summarize your theology of the Sabbath.

[MikeP]

Based on Jesus' teaching in Luke 6, 13, and 14, it would seem that a sound theology of the Sabbath should be focused on the "Lord of the Sabbath" rather than a legalistic set of rules designed to limit activities on a particular day of the week. In these chapters in Luke, Jesus did not allow religious rules to limit his ministry. Instead, he ministered to people and relieved their suffering as he saw need. He also addressed the hypocricy of the Pharisees who were more concerned with maintaining the status quo of rules and ritual than helping people. In one case, Jesus challenged the fact that Pharisees would be more willing to help an ox than a person on the Sabbath. Alternatively, Jesus' actions in these chapters teach that we should be concerned about honoring God through helping people -- no matter what day.

Although I do believe that we are called to commit periods of time throughout our week to rest from our normal routine, I do not think that these times necessarily need to be tied to a particular day nor that our activities be highly restricted. We should be devoted to the Lord of the Sabbath every day, just as we must be alert to ways in which we may help others every day.

[Jonathan]

In order to formulate a proper theology on the Sabbath based on Jesus? interaction with the Sabbath concept, one must also understand the understanding that the Pharisees had of the Sabbath, since Jesus is addressing the Sabbath over and against their views on it. From Luke 6, 13, and 14, it would seem that the Pharisees view the Sabbath as something that they must keep to indicate that they are righteous before God. However, their tradition clearly defines what it means to keep the Sabbath. These traditions are not based on scriptural principles, but rather on human formulated constraints. Jesus, on the other hand, has an understanding that the Sabbath is for the benefit of man. Moreover, God has designated the Sabbath for our own good. For this reason, Jesus does not have a problem with healing on the Sabbath for this does not violate the principle of the Sabbath being for the benefit of man.
In allowing the Sabbath to benefit us, by giving us some much needed peace and rest, we are actually glorifying God. When we allow him to refresh us and restore us, we will be more effective in his service. The Sabbath is not so much about us submitting to a long list of rules, as it is about allowing God to once again become our main focus. In stilling ourselves from those activities which so often busy our minds and our hearts away from God, we will more readily be able to glorify him. Doing activities that serve to bring our focus back to our father while at the same time replenish us, is clearly a beneficial activity for us to take part in on the Sabbath.

[Jonathan]

Though the Sabbath principle does not necessarily need to be applied only for one particular day, as human beings, we need to be realistic about what really allows us to function the most effectively in our service to the Lord. Taking an actual day as a Sabbath may actually be the best way to do this, as I have heard many ministers express. For those who are not in ministry, Sunday would be the best day to do this because it would allow them to contemplate on worshipping God with less distractions around them. On the other hand, for those that do minister on Sundays, another day would probably be most effective. Even physically, taking a day may be the most effective way to honor God with our bodies. This is just a thought of course. Any other opinions?

[matth]

In all three passages where Jesus addresses the Sabbath, the issue seems to be whether one is to hold tightly to the letter of the Sabbath law or whethere one is to perform the greater good of providing sustenance or healing. It appears that the religious leaders often forgot the Lord of the Sabbath law, they only cared about the letter of the Sabbath law. Jesus desired to point beyond the law to its purpose. Maybe a better way to think about this issue is to consider the bigger issue. Jesus is after the heart of man?"I desire compassion and not sacrifice." The actions of the religious leaders showed that their hearts were hard to the needs of the people.

Therefore, it seems evident that the Sabbath was meant to be a gift for the people and testimony to God's power among the nation despite their day of rest. For us it does not seem there is a clear mandate to take a Sabbath rest, while at the same time each day should be fully devoted to the Lord's service.

[matth]

It seems that many churches effectively encourage a day of rest by requiring pastors to take a day off during the week. Thus it establishes a precedent for committing oneself to a "Sabbath" rest. What we do with that day is up to the individual; however, from a corporate level it strongly encourages such activity.

There seems to be two issues related to the Sabbath on which I am admittedly unclear. The Sabbath was both a day of rest and a day of commitment to the Lord. That being the case. I have heard many say that every day should be committed to the Lord, of which I agree. But what about the rest? Should we continue to have a day of rest or should we rest each day for a period. If so, I surely like the idea of afternoon naps.javascript:emoticon(':wink:')

[David Gauthier]

Luke often records Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath (chapter 6, 13, and 14). In light of Jesus' words, summarize your theology of the Sabbath.
Jesus claims authority over the Sabbath, and teaches that it is always right to show compassion to others on the Sabbath in Luke 6. Jesus exercised power over Satan, and exposed the corruption of hypocrisy in Luke 13. Jesus gave a blessing in healing the man with dropsy on the Sabbath and rebuked selfishness in Luke 14. My theology addresses the dual physical and spiritual dimensions of the Sabbath. On the physical side, a day of rest each week is required to recollect, refresh and contemplate my daily walk with the Lord. On the spiritual side, my greatest need was fulfilled in Christ when I gained eternal peace with God and entered His rest. In that sense, everyday is a Sabbath in Christ because I belong to Him. My theology in light of Jesus? words from the Gospel of Luke could be summarized by the fact that the Sabbath belongs to Jesus, legalism is deadly at any time and it will only expose my hypocrisy, and it is always right to do those things that show compassion and mercy (i.e. reveals God) to others regardless of the day rather than only looking out for self.

[David Gauthier]

In all three passages where Jesus addresses the Sabbath, the issue seems to be whether one is to hold tightly to the letter of the Sabbath law or whethere one is to perform the greater good of providing sustenance or healing. It appears that the religious leaders often forgot the Lord of the Sabbath law, they only cared about the letter of the Sabbath law. Jesus desired to point beyond the law to its purpose. Maybe a better way to think about this issue is to consider the bigger issue. Jesus is after the heart of man?"I desire compassion and not sacrifice." The actions of the religious leaders showed that their hearts were hard to the needs of the people.

Therefore, it seems evident that the Sabbath was meant to be a gift for the people and testimony to God's power among the nation despite their day of rest. For us it does not seem there is a clear mandate to take a Sabbath rest, while at the same time each day should be fully devoted to the Lord's service.

The religious leaders thought that they had the only acceptable answer to the way that the Sabbath was to be observed, and were not even willing to allow God's blessing to flow to others since it violated their own traditions. So, their interest in the letter of the Sabbath law was primarily their own interpretation of how the letter of the law was applied. Your comment concerning Jesus' desire for the heart of man is crucial, but the Mosaic Covenant also required the people to observe the last day of the week as a day of rest. It is important to note that Jesus was not indicating that the Sabbath was just another day of work, but He was affirming that He had authority over the Sabbath, and that it was always right to have compassion and do good for others, especially on the Sabbath.

In reply to your comment concerning the mandate for a Sabbath rest, the clear mandate is to enter into the Sabbath rest available in Jesus. The physical side of a day of rest each week although not strictly mandated makes good sense since all work and no quiet time stifles creativity and joy in life.

[jen]

In each of the three chapters cited in the Gospel of Luke, chapters 6, 13, and 14, Jesus is recorded as doing one or more on the Sabbath: defending his disciples who are picking grain, or healing. In each case, there is a recorded interaction with one or more of the following: Pharisees, "teachers" or "experts" of the law, or a synagogue ruler. Each of these parties had a vested interest in protecting the rabbinic tradition that reaping and healing were forbidden on the Sabbath unless life was in danger, as in the case of David that Jesus references in Luke 6:3-4. E. Earle Ellis, in his Commentary, The Gospel of Luke, says that Jesus was applying this same exception to his disciples, who likely plucked and ate as part of a meal during a preaching tour. Ellis states, "The Lord's action reveals his interpretation of his mission. It is redemptive and it is urgent, a matter of life and death." (Ellis 108) Based on Luke 6:5, 9, 13:16, my theology of the Sabbath is that what is done on the Sabbath should involve exalting Jesus as Lord, doing good, saving life, and setting people free. Succinctly stated, "Mission takes precedence over ritual." (Ellis 108)

[jen]

"It seems that many churches effectively encourage a day of rest by requiring pastors to take a day off during the week. Thus it establishes a precedent for committing oneself to a 'Sabbath' rest. What we do with that day is up to the individual; however, from a corporate level it strongly encourages such activity."

I am just musing about your comments regarding a Sabbath day off for people in full time vocational ministry. I am full time at a church where I usually have a weekday off. It is unanimous by the elders and governing board that the ministry staff have a weekday off, and it seems generally accepted by our congregation. I wonder though, about people in ministry in other churches or contexts who do not have a weekday off, if they came to the conviction that they should, how they would go about establishing it. Preaching/ teaching is a powerful tool in shaping the culture of the church/ ministry, so preaching on Sabbath rest would be one avenue. That brings me to the second part of your posting.

"The Sabbath was both a day of rest and a day of commitment to the Lord. That being the case. I have heard many say that every day should be committed to the Lord, of which I agree. But what about the rest? Should we continue to have a day of rest or should we rest each day for a period."

I, too, need some direction about a Scriptural basis for a day of rest. Perhaps what I need even more is dicipline to rest. I am one of those people who finds it very difficult to set work aside at any time of the week. I am open to suggestions.

[shapat]

The concept that Jesus seeks to impact the heart of people is fundamental to speaking to the sometimes thorny theological arguments surrounding the Sabbath. In this I am in agreement with your posting. In Lk. 5:33-39, Luke highlights how the religious establishment was opposing Jesus in the matter of fasting. This they did out of their legalistic theology, something they also did with regard to Jesus’ approach to the Sabbath. To address their legalistic tendency, Jesus used a parable to illustrate the need for new wineskins (“new hearts”) if one is to retain new wine (the “new message” brought by Jesus). It is a lack of that new heart that is at the core of the legalistic resistance found in Luke’s Sabbath passages. Such passages show Jesus’ supreme lordship (ch. 6:1-5) and his authority over Satan’s power and diseases (6:6-10, 13:10-17, 14:1-4)—all for the benefit of humankind. Nevertheless, without the new heart that transcends legalism, much of the joyous work that accompanies Jesus’ salvific ministry is continually missed.

[shapat]

One word that effectively straightens out the sometimes thorny theological issues surrounding the Sabbath is “authority”, as in the authority of Jesus Christ. In Luke 6, Jesus declares he is the Son of Man—both the exalted apocalyptic figure and the preeminent one among humans. He also reveals himself as Lord of the Sabbath—the foremost authority on every issue concerning the matter. Joining my life with his to do good and to serve others (Lk. 13; Lk 14), as opposed to being constrained or distracted by lesser powers of legalism or theological nitpicking is refreshing. That indeed, is true rest.

[dennis]

The Sabbath was first established to benefit us, both physically and spiritually by giving us some much needed peace and rest. When we allow him to replenish us physically and spiritually, we will be of better service to Him. The Sabbath is not about keeping a list of rules, but is dedicated to allowing God to remain as our primary focal point. By quieting our spirit and being still in His presence, we refresh and clear our minds of all the clutter that interferes with following only Him.

[LShilt]

The Sabbath was first established to benefit us, both physically and spiritually by giving us some much needed peace and rest. When we allow him to replenish us physically and spiritually, we will be of better service to Him. The Sabbath is not about keeping a list of rules, but is dedicated to allowing God to remain as our primary focal point. By quieting our spirit and being still in His presence, we refresh and clear our minds of all the clutter that interferes with following only Him.


The Jewish people patterned their Sabbath day after the day God rested from His work of creation. Although it is a day of much needed rest and peace, it is more than that. There were so many rules and regulations to follow that the Israelites were missing the point of the Sabbath. Jesus was teaching the Jewish people that He was the Lord of the Sabbath, but what did that mean? He taught that the Sabbath is more than following rules and regulations set up by the Torah or our own personal rest. He was teaching that the Sabbath should allow for helping others in need. The Law meant nothing if people died or went hungry on the Sabbath day. Jesus healed three different people in chapters 6, 13, 14 of Luke. After these miracles, the Pharisees and lawyers were livid. After the last miracle, they fumed in silence! In Luke 14:5-6, Jesus confronted the Pharisees and lawyers, “Then he asked them, If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out? And they had nothing to say.” The Sabbath day is much more than a day of rest. Jesus taught that part of the theology of the Sabbath is about ministering to others in need.

[LShilt]

In Luke 6:1-11, the author of Luke shares a story about how Jesus broke the laws of the Sabbath. The first incident was recorded in Luke 6:1: One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. The disciples had violated the Sabbath Law of the forty saved one. Mishnah, Sabbath 7:2 (Bock, 1993, 30). Jesus also violated the law of the Sabbath again and healed a man of a withered hand inside the synagogue during a service (Luke 6:6). The three part question is this: What was Jesus trying to teach to the Pharisees and other extremely devoted Jews? Besides the obvious reason that Jesus broke the Laws of the Sabbath, why were the Pharisees so angry with Jesus? How did Jesus support His right to violate the Sabbath in both cases?

[sallyhaveman]

Luke often records Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath (chapter 6, 13, and 14). In light of Jesus' words, summarize your theology of the Sabbath.

Luke shows us where Jesus came into direct conflict with the Pharisees over Jesus picking grain and healing on the Sabbath. I believe one of the themes in Luke is Jesus' authority over disease, evil and death. Here we see where Luke is showing us Jesus' authority over the Sabbath.
I personally do refrain from doing certain activities on Sunday because I want to try to use the day to honor and glorigy God. I want the day to be different from the other six days in the week. But I don't take this to mean that one should not do "good" on Sundays.