Dr. Rob White - September 8, 2024
The Sabbath As A Blessing
God gave the Sabbath to bless people, and Jesus blessed people on the Sabbath.
Scripture References: Mark 2:23-3:6
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In this sermon, Dr. Rob White reflects on the purpose of the Sabbath, emphasizing that it was designed by God as a blessing for humanity, rather than as a burden. Based on Mark 2:23–3:6, the message begins with an account of Jesus and His disciples walking through grainfields on the Sabbath, picking heads of grain to eat. The Pharisees, strict followers of the law, challenge Jesus, questioning why He allows His disciples to do what they consider unlawful on the Sabbath.
Jesus responds by reminding them of the story of David and the sacred bread, pointing out that human need outweighs legalistic restrictions. He then states that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” highlighting that the Sabbath is a gift meant to restore and bless people, not a rigid law to oppress them.
In the second part of the story, Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand in the synagogue. The Pharisees, eager to trap Him again, watch closely to see if He will heal the man on the Sabbath. Jesus poses a powerful question: “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm? To save life or to kill?” When they remain silent, Jesus heals the man, further demonstrating that compassion and doing good are always in alignment with God’s will, even on the Sabbath.
Dr. White reminds us that while we may no longer be bound by Old Testament Sabbath laws, the principle of rest and restoration remains vital. In today’s fast-paced world, where exhaustion is common, setting aside time for rest, reflection, and family is essential for spiritual and physical health. The sermon encourages believers to embrace the Sabbath as a time for both rest and doing good, following Jesus’ example of compassion and care for others.
