And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. Luke 6:1-5

One of the many titles of Jesus we probably dont think about that much is “Lord of the Sabbath ” , what does that mean? Well when the religious leaders decided to accuse Jesus and his disciples of “breaking the Sabbath” he decided to reveal some things to them. First Jesus references a story about David, who actually ate the showbread from the Temple, which is against the Torah

However, how many Jews today point out that David broke the Torah? Most Rabbis won’t mention this as David is highly regarded by the Jews. The point Jesus is making is, these religious leaders are hypocrites! The rabbis want to call out Jesus and his disciples from eating corn on the Sabbath, but yet are ok with David eating the holy showbread from the Temple. 

Jesus revealed to them , He is the Son of Man (Daniel 7) and He is the Lord of the Sabbath! Jesus can’t “break the Sabbath” because Jesus is the Sabbath, Jesus is our Rest (Hebrews 4, Matthew 11:28)

And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? Luke 6:6-9

Then Jesus did an unimaginable thing, note the sarcasm, he healed a man on the Sabbath! Now a few things here, first Jesus is revealing his deity by healing the man, secondly , Jesus is revealing he is Lord of the Sabbath, by “breaking the Sabbath” to heal a man

Notice Jesus knows the evil thoughts of the religious leaders and calls them out on it. Jesus says “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or evil”? The Sabbath is not a legalistic issue its a moral issue

And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:10-11

Now notice the religious leader’s reaction here, Jesus healed a man, and instead of them praising God , they were “filled with madness” , they were enraged because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, do you think their hearts are right with God? And instead of understanding that the Son of Man, the Christ was standing right before them, they plotted to kill the Lord of the Sabbath

Many people still today, try to make the Sabbath a legal issue. Where is your heart? If Jesus healed on the Sabbath , are you going to condemn him also? Jesus is Lord of The Sabbath, and Lord over You! Find your rest in Christ, and not in legalism Amen!