thinking bible.

You asked

where do we see institutions or traditions today that might have forgotten their original human purpose?

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

Mark 2:27

He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

This verse is part of a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time regarding the Sabbath. Here, Jesus and his disciples are walking through grain fields, and the disciples pick heads of grain to eat, which the Pharisees consider unlawful work on the Sabbath. Jesus uses this statement to clarify the purpose of the Sabbath.

What institution or practice in your life, religious or otherwise, might benefit from a renewed focus on its original human purpose?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Matthew 12:7

    Jesus quotes Hosea, saying God desires mercy, not sacrifice, challenging rigid adherence to religious rules.

  • Isaiah 1:13-17

    The prophet critiques religious rituals that have become empty of justice and compassion.

  • Galatians 5:1

    Paul speaks of freedom from legalistic rules to live in the freedom of Christ.

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