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how does jesus's approach to sabbath in the gospels relate to or reframe this command from exodus?

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

Exodus 20:8-11

““Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.””

This passage is part of the Ten Commandments, given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing fundamental ethical and religious expectations for the Israelite community shortly after their liberation from slavery in Egypt. It is a foundational command regarding the rhythm of life and worship for ancient Israel.

How might embracing a regular time of rest, free from our typical work and pursuits, shape our understanding of our place in the world?

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Read alongside it

Deuteronomy 5:12-15
This parallel account of the Ten Commandments emphasizes liberation from slavery as a reason for Sabbath rest, adding a dimension of social justice.
Mark 2:23-28
Jesus clarifies that "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath," indicating its purpose is for human well-being, not burden.
Hebrews 4:9-11
This New Testament passage speaks of a 'Sabbath rest' remaining for God's people, connecting the earthly command with a deeper, spiritual reality of trust and cessation from one's own works.

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