Mark 2:23-28: Sabbath Rest in Jesus
Study Guide
Pastor Tim is giving a sermon about the Sabbath, drawing on the Gospel of Mark. He discusses how Jesus challenged the religious authorities of his time by demonstrating God's true character. He argues that the Sabbath is a gift from God that should be observed in a way that honors the heart of the law, not just its letter. He asserts that Jesus is the ultimate Sabbath rest, offering peace and security to those who trust in him.
Summary:
This study guide focuses on Mark 2:23-28, where Jesus challenges the Pharisees' legalistic understanding of the Sabbath. Pastor Tim emphasizes that the Sabbath is a gift from God, intended for human flourishing, not a burden of restrictive rules. Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, emphasizes love, compassion, and doing good on this holy day. Ultimately, true Sabbath rest is found in Jesus Christ, offering peace and security for our souls.
Key Themes:
The Sabbath as a Gift: God gave the Sabbath as a loving provision for rest, worship, and trust, not as a burdensome regulation.
Legalism vs. the Heart of the Law: The Pharisees, obsessed with adding rules to the Sabbath, missed the true spirit of love and compassion it embodied.
Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath: Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ rigid interpretation of the Sabbath, highlighting his authority over it and the importance of doing good on this day.
Finding True Rest in Jesus: Ultimate Sabbath rest goes beyond a physical day off; it's found in a relationship with Jesus, bringing peace and security to our souls.
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences based on Pastor Tim’s sermon.
What is the meaning of the Hebrew word "Shabbat", and where in the Bible do we find its origins?
According to Pastor Tim, besides rest, what are two other key reasons God instituted the Sabbath?
What were the disciples doing that caught the Pharisees’ attention in Mark 2:23-24?
What two words does Pastor Tim suggest we use when someone claims a biblical truth we’re unsure about?
What Old Testament story does Jesus refer to when responding to the Pharisees’ criticism in Mark 2:25-26?
What is the significance of Jesus including the detail that David “gave some to his companions” (Mark 2:26)?
What does Jesus mean when he says, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27)?
According to Pastor Tim, what is the ultimate purpose of the law, including the laws about the Sabbath, as revealed in the Old Testament?
How does Pastor Tim connect the Old Testament concept of Sabbath rest with the person of Jesus Christ?
According to Pastor Tim, what are two practical ways we can “rest in Jesus”?
Answer Key
“Shabbat” means “to rest.” The concept of Sabbath originates in the creation story, where God rested on the seventh day after six days of creation (Genesis 1-2).
God instituted the Sabbath as a call to worship and a reminder to trust in Him as the provider.
The disciples were picking heads of grain to eat while walking through the grain fields on the Sabbath.
Pastor Tim suggests using the words “Show me” to encourage someone to demonstrate the biblical basis for their claim.
Jesus refers to the story of King David and Ahimelech the priest in 1 Samuel 21, where David ate consecrated bread out of necessity.
This detail highlights that Jesus, like David, shared God's provision with others, emphasizing the importance of compassion and care on the Sabbath.
Jesus emphasizes that the Sabbath is a gift from God for human benefit and flourishing, not a rigid set of rules designed to restrict people.
The law, including the Sabbath laws, was given as an act of love to guide God's people towards wholeness and holiness.
Pastor Tim explains that Jesus is the fulfillment of Sabbath rest, offering true peace and security for our souls (Hebrews 4).
We can “rest in Jesus” by spending time in prayer, meditating on Scripture, and reflecting on the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Essay Questions
Analyze the Pharisees’ approach to the Sabbath in Mark 2:23-28. How does their perspective differ from Jesus’? What are the dangers of legalism, and how does Jesus’ teaching offer a corrective?
Explain the significance of the statement, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). How does this principle apply not only to the Sabbath but also to our understanding and application of other biblical commands?
Pastor Tim states that true Sabbath rest is ultimately found in Jesus Christ. Discuss the connection between the Old Testament Sabbath and the New Testament emphasis on rest in Christ. How can we practically experience this deeper rest in our daily lives?
How does the concept of Sabbath challenge our modern understanding of work, productivity, and achievement? What are the potential benefits of incorporating Sabbath rest into our lives, both individually and as a society?
Pastor Tim uses the analogy of a lion (referencing Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia) to describe finding security and peace in Jesus. Explore this analogy, explaining how resting in Jesus can provide a sense of confidence and trust in the midst of life’s challenges.
Glossary of Key Terms
Sabbath: The seventh day of the week, observed by Jews as a day of rest and worship, originating from the creation account and commanded by God in the Ten Commandments.
Pharisees: A Jewish sect known for their strict observance of the Law of Moses, often emphasizing outward rituals and traditions.
Legalism: An approach to religion that focuses on strict adherence to rules and regulations, often neglecting the spirit or intent behind the law.
Son of Man: A title used by Jesus to refer to himself, emphasizing both his humanity and his divine authority.
Lord of the Sabbath: A declaration of Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath, highlighting his power to interpret and apply its true meaning.
Yoke: A wooden harness used to join oxen for plowing, often used metaphorically to represent burdens or obligations.
Jehovah Jireh: A Hebrew name for God meaning “The Lord Will Provide.”
Consecrated Bread: Bread set aside in the Jewish temple for the priests to eat, symbolizing God’s provision and holiness.
Lion of Judah: A messianic title for Jesus, referencing his descent from the tribe of Judah and symbolizing his kingly authority and power.
