The Life of Christ

• The Sabbath Law was obviously incomplete, which explains why the religious leaders spent so much time in debate. Jesus, by His own words and example, adds the additional guidelines needed to understand the parameters of the Sabbath.

In the following scriptures, Jesus offered fresh guidelines to temper ideas that had been taken to extremes:

• Mk. 2:27: When the Sabbath forbids man from his need to eat, it has been taken too far. In Mt. 12:2-4 Jesus quotes how David was allowed to eat holy bread, off limits to anyone other than the priests. His natural hunger superseded the law governing the eating of the bread. • Jesus quoted this example, knowing of a similar judgment already declared by the Rabbis: “ Jewish tradition vindicated David’s conduct on the grounds that ‘danger to life superseded the Sabbath Law, and hence, all laws connected with it.’” 15

• Mt. 12:5: Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless?

The priests were to offer sacrifices to God on the Sabbath day, as well as every other day, which required heavy lifting. Jesus points out this particular exception to the Sabbath rule to show that there will be legitimate exceptions.

• Jn. 7:23: Circumcision is another legitimate exception. If the eighth day falls on the Sabbath, which law takes precedent — circumcision or the Sabbath law? Circumcision.

Jesus used these examples to add balance to a teaching that had grown out of control. He also uses one other illustration that served as the ultimate example:

• Jn. 5:17: But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”

• By saying that the Father works hitherto, Jesus pointed out that even though the Father might have rested on the seventh day, He still retained a certain amount of activity. The Father was still active enough to keep the planets in their orbit, answer prayers, and watch over all the activities of man.

• Therefore, these examples serve to provide necessary balance to the notion, “do no work therein.”

• By saying, "My Father works hitherto, AND I WORK," infuriated the religious leaders because this implied equality between Jesus and God.

SECTION 62

Mt. 12:15-17 But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed Him, and He healed them all, 16 and warned them not to make Him known, in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, might be fulfilled.

Why did Jesus continue to insist that people not tell anybody about Himself?

• First, so that scripture would be fulfilled (Isa. 42:1-2). “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street” (Isa. 42:1-2).

• Secondly, drawing attention to Himself contradicts His character.

15 Ibid, p. 57

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