Lord of the Sabbath

Luke 6:1-5    by Diane Ward

Our enemy Satan hates those who do good, stalking them with intent to silence them in any way possible.

The Word tells us that Jesus went about doing good. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38)

Jewish interpretation of the commandment to keep the sabbath as a work-free holy day had been legalistically hedged about with so many petty rules and restrictions that its primary purpose was lost. The day of rest was intended for people’s physical and spiritual good, not to deny them food and help. The Gospels of Mark and Luke record two clashes over the issue of Jesus’ Lordship and authority of the Sabbath; (in the cornfield when Jesus’ disciples are hungry and in the synagogue in a case of human need, Mark 3:1-6.) Jesus’ defiance triggers a terrible reaction: a death-plot against him of the legalistic Herodian sect of the Pharisees.  Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5) and Satan knows this – knows he has no case or legal right against Jesus.

Ultimately, legalism comes from a failure to recognize the interpretive authority of Jesus. Its noxious fumes are suffocating and life-threatening. Isaiah and Paul describe our legalistic works as bondage – as filthy rags and rubbish. (Isaiah 64:6 and Philippians 3:8-9) The work was done at Calvary when Jesus gave his spirit to God - “It is finished.” (John 19:28-30) We are not left wondering if our work is done, if it’s enough and if we are secure. As Paul wrote to the Galatians, “If our works were sufficient then Jesus died for nothing.” (Galatians 2:21)

Father forgive me for acts of legalism that have hindered the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, for legalistic words that have hurt or hindered others.  Help me daily to remember that it is for freedom I have been set free to live and love. (Galatians 5:3) ---“For in Jesus the law is at once fulfilled and cancelled.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

 by Diane Ward