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how does jesus's approach to sabbath in the gospels affirm or challenge this original command?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Mark 2:27-28

He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath; therefore the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."

Jesus and his disciples are passing through grainfields on the Sabbath, and the disciples pick heads of grain to eat. Some Pharisees challenge this, deeming it unlawful work on the Sabbath. Jesus responds by reminding them of David's actions in the temple and then makes this profound statement about the Sabbath's purpose.

What does it mean for something sacred to be 'for' humanity, rather than humanity being 'for' it?

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Read alongside it

  • Exodus 20:8-11

    This is the foundational commandment for observing the Sabbath, linking it to creation and rest.

  • Deuteronomy 5:12-15

    This reiteration of the Sabbath commandment adds remembrance of liberation from slavery as a reason for its observance.

  • Matthew 12:9-14

    Another instance where Jesus heals on the Sabbath, further illustrating his approach to the law's intent.

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