Christ and the Sabbath 

Memory Verse: "How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days" (Matthew 12:12).

Scripture Reading: Mark 2:23-3:6.

Introduction: The entire subject of Sabbath-keeping should be tempered with the knowledge that, "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath" (Mark 2:27). The way in which the Jews became confused on this issue should serve as a good example to Christian people regarding God's laws in general, that they are for the good of man, not to his detriment. Their purpose is man's benefit.
  When Jesus and His disciples went through the field of corn on the Sabbath and, being hungry, began to eat some of the corn, the Pharisees accused the disciples of doing "that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day." In answer, Jesus referred to the time when David had been warned by Jonathan that Saul intended to kill David, and David fled from Saul to save his life. He became hungry, and went to the priest of the Lord and requested bread to eat. Since there was no other, David requested some of the hallowed bread which was kept before the Lord in the tabernacle.
  The "law" said, "And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And they (Aaron and his sons) shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy" (Exodus 29:32,33).
  According to the law, David was not eligible to eat that bread. It was offered in "sacrifice" to the Lord, but Jesus said: ". . . if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day" (Matthew 12:7,8).

Lesson Questions:

1. According to the example given, and to the actions of Christ and His disciples, would it have been acceptable for children of God in general to have gone through the fields, picking and eating grain on the Sabbath? 1 Samuel 21:1-6; Matthew 12:1-4. (Consider whether David's eating the shewbread made it acceptable for any and everyone to do the same thing.)

2. In the same vein as question one, consider Matthew 12:5,6, along with Numbers 28:9,10.

3. Is there ever a way in which the technicality of keeping one part of the Law may seem to be in conflict with that of another part of the Law? If so, how is it to be resolved? Consider John 7:19-24; Leviticus 12:1-3.

4. What was the basis of the charge that Christ did not keep the Sabbath? John 9:16; 5:6-16; Matthew 12:9-14.

5. Is there an example of our responsibility to testify of Christ in the incident discussed in John 5:6-16?

6. Did Jesus technically break the Sabbath--an action which ordinarily would have been improper during the Sabbath? (Be careful . . . If NOT, then consider the cause for Mark 2:27,28; the need for the two incidents of Matthew 12:3-8. Also consider Nehemiah 13:19-21; John 5:18.) Note: Remember that the Jews had added many rules to God's Law, and some very strict interpretations God had never intended.

7. In view of Christ's question, "Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it?" Was it likely that Jesus was admonishing His hearers to be sure to observe the Sabbath, according to Matthew 24:20?

8. Discuss the meaning and limitations of Christ's statement: "It is lawful to do well on the sabbath days" (Mark 12:12).

9. Why was there a difference in observance of the Sabbath as manifested by Christ (compared to the teaching of the Pharisees)?