“ One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grain fields, his disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat. 24 But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?” 25 Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you ever read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 26 He went into the house of God (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions.” 27 Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” Mark 2:23-27 NLT
“Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, 10 where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) 11 And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! 14 Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.” Matthew 12:9-14 NLT
Lord of the Sabbath,
Sometimes it is easier to know the rules and keep them. It helps us behave in the right way in certain circumstances. Essential in some employment. Respectful when we are visiting. We all behave more relaxed when visiting someone we know well.
Sabbath was very regulated in Jesus day. Not everyone kept it I am sure. It was very rigid. How far you could walk, preparing food in advance etc. Some Christians still prepare food in advance to not be doing the work and the mundane on a Sunday. I wish I was that organised sometimes.
But Jesus came along and challenged everything about the Sabbath. With what the heart of the Law meant and not the letter of the Law. He came to set us free. The new rule was no rules – about the Sabbath. But heeding God, respecting that if God needed a day to rest, consider and see what is good how much more do we! Perhaps to find a day when I can rest from doing, have time to think or just to be and consider what God is doing in my life. It may not be a Sunday if work or commitment intrude . . . but a day to walk with You Lord and regain a quiet mind (Psalm 46:10). And I know I need to meet with like minded Christians to worship and keep me focused on You. Sunday can be a busy day . . .
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 26th October 2025
We had this a couple of weeks ago – but for me it seems to encapsulate finding a Sabbath rest even at any time in the week . . .
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
forgive our foolish ways!
Reclothe us in our rightful mind;
in purer lives Thy service find,
in deeper rev’rence, praise.
In simple trust like theirs who heard,
beside the Syrian sea,
the gracious calling of the Lord,
let us, like them, without a word
Rise up and follow Thee.
O Sabbath rest by Galilee!
O calm of hills above,
where Jesus knelt to share with Thee
the silence of eternity,
interpreted by love!
Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
till all our strivings cease;
take from our souls the strain and stress,
and let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of Thy peace.
Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm;
let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
speak through the earthquake, wind and fire,
O still small voice of calm!
Lyrics: John Greenleaf Whittier