So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath. Mark 2:28
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 2:23-28, which is the text for next chapter of the commentary. Observations using the Sword Bible Study Method:
- What do we learn from the passage about God?: Similar to vv18-22, God is not concerned about empty rituals if we don't have a heart for God.
- What do we learn from the passage about people?: Pride and arrogance is one of the most dangerous sins and it led to the arrest and persecution of not just Jesus, but countless followers throughout redemptive history. The Pharisees were more concerned about their status and position then they were about pleasing God. Jesus challenged the Pharisees by citing 1 Samuel 21 as an example of God's intent with ceremonial practices where David is on the run from Saul and partakes of the holy bread set aside for the priesthood (see Leviticus 24:5-9). Surely Jesus' example of David will not be challenged as someone whose heart is not right with God!
- Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey - sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, or commands to obey?: Sins to avoid - we should avoid empty ritual worship practices. We should also avoid judgement and disagreement over matters that are either inconsequential (or not Biblical) or less clear in scripture. Many a congregation separate over or have conflict about such matters. Promises to claim - recognize that Jesus is King of Kings and Lord over all - having providence over all matters in the universe. Jesus is the example to follow of course. Commands to obey include how we are to worship - focusing on the most important commandments which are to love God, and to love others (Matthew 22:34-40).
V28 in particular strikes a chord in how Jesus shares how Sabbath was modeled during creation and then codified in the Ten Commandments - see Genesis 2:1-3 and Exodus 20:8-11. Sabbath was designed as a day of rest and to focus on God - and our heart condition is of primary concern. It's less about what you do vs how you do it.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and gives rest - thank You Jesus! You also save and pour out mercies that never cease and that are new every morning. I am not deserving of how You bless so richly and how You save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
