Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, February 18, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Sabbath rest is a gift, not a burden. The Pharisees error in this story (and several other places in the gospels) is that they are trying to enforce a particular cultural (i.e. human) understanding of what is a divine practice. God rested after six days of intensive activity—you know, creating the whole universe and all that—and held that up as an example to God’s people to remember to rest and spend time with God.
When challenged about his disciples decidedly un-sabbath-like activities, Jesus says, “I tell you, something greater than the temple is here.” What a cool phrase. To me it says, “The sabbath is bigger than your exacting rules. It’s not about going through the motions or proving piety or any of the rest of it. And it’s certainly not about punishing people when they’re just hungry.”
Jesus turns everything on its head. “Our God,” he seems to say, “is not who you think God is. Trust me—I would know.” Jesus is lord of the sabbath. May you enjoy sacred rest in his presence, but don’t feel like you can’t go get a snack if you need one.
How do I observe sabbath? How do I feel if I don’t observe it perfectly?
