The Lord of Rest – Rejected (Matt 12:9-14)
Parallel passages: Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11
Previously, we saw how the Pharisees tried to catch Jesus in the act of defiling Sabbath based on their own definition of what the Sabbath is. Even though Jesus has showed the Pharisees this was not the way God intended the Sabbath to be, they refused to accept it. Today, we explore another incident regarding the Sabbath.
The Incident Revealed
The Pharisees made use of the occasion to catch Jesus in the act. In Mark and Luke, it is written that Jesus knew their heart when they asked him whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath.
Jesus, in return, replied using the logic that it was common practice to rescue livestock even on the Sabbath day. As such, he exposed the Pharisees as hypocrites, who cared more about their traditions rather than having compassion for others.
In essence, Jesus is emphasising that it is lawful for God’s people to do well and display God’s characteristics, rather than rigidly observing rituals and ceremonies.
In Matt 12:8, Jesus proclaims that He is the Lord of the Sabbath. He proves His point about Sabbath rest though the word (Matt 12:3-7) and through a sign, by healing the man with a withered hand (Matt 12:13). However, the Pharisees were judgmental, hypocritical, inconsistent and mean, and simply not teachable.
Pharisees: A Symbolism – Spirit of Defiance
Just as Israel was supposed to be holy and set apart from the world (Exo 19:5-6), the Pharisees set themselves apart for God. However, the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees falls into 2 categories – “what I can accept” and “what I can do”, resulting in a standard that is difficult yet attainable, thus making them look good.
This could be due to a lack of truth and faith. However, the root of the problem is pride. Pride drives people to elevate themselves, resulting in most of human problems. For example, Adam had everything he needed in Eden, yet he felt that he deserved better, resulting in the fall of mankind. Pride results in the scribes and Pharisees to go to the extent of wanting to kill Jesus rather than admitting their mistake (John 5:1-16; 7:19-23). As shepherds of God’s People, they have led them astray (Eze 34:1-6, 23-31).
Jesus: Where Pride Ends And Love Begins
From the Pharisees’ point of view, Sabbath rest as defined by Jesus is too simple and does not make them look good. Meanwhile, “Sabbath-Rest” is based on Rabbinical tradition i.e. to let other people starve, ignore bible, listen to rabbis, saving a sheep but let man suffer.
However, God’s rest according to Jesus means
· We rest, God works
· Mercy not outward form
· Coming to God with faith
Thus, we show God’s attributes through God-rest. As the Lord of Rest, Jesus can eradicate our pride, and we just need to have faith.
How should we respond?
To unbelievers:
· Jesus has promised that He will give us rest: so come to him in faith (Matt 11:28).
To believers:
· Consider what defines our worship as a Christian: do we fall into the same spirit as the Pharisees?
Thus, let us choose our rest wisely – will it be that of the scribes and Pharisees, or the rest that Jesus’ offers?
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