Mark 2:23-28 (CEB)

23 Jesus went through the wheat fields on the Sabbath. As the disciples made their way, they were picking the heads of wheat. 24 The Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look! Why are they breaking the Sabbath law?”

25 He said to them, “Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was in need, when he and those with him were hungry? 26 During the time when Abiathar was high priest, David went into God’s house and ate the bread of the presence, which only the priests were allowed to eat. He also gave bread to those who were with him.” 27 Then he said, “The Sabbath was created for humans; humans weren’t created for the Sabbath. 28 This is why the Human One is Lord even over the Sabbath.”


Reflection

Perhaps Jesus is really saying that we all need some boundaries, but that the boundaries are not what and who we worship. We don’t worship the bread or the cup, the wheat, or even the day that these things become holy in our worship to God. “The Human One is Lord even over the Sabbath.”

But how easily do we forget this? How easily do we make the pomp and circumstance of the hour, minute or day just as important as the One we are worshiping? How easy is it to be caught in the excitement of the moment only to be carried away by the commotion that surrounds us?

I am thinking of events that we may mistakenly idolize. Sometimes even Christmas or Easter may become more about the glitz and glamour than the One who brings us to that day to begin with. Perhaps even our Sunday worship time may feel more like just another event, whenever we are not careful to pause in relationship with our Lord.

Jesus had the courage to speak truth to power about the Sabbath. He also had those around him pause and remember the importance of Sabbath when that was needed. Do we, in turn, have the courage to pause and listen through worship for the words and ways of God? Likewise, will we have the courage to know when and how to speak up when guided by the Spirit? “The Human One is Lord even over the Sabbath.”

By Barbara Carlson


For Pondering & Prayer

“The Human One is Lord even over the Sabbath.” Let it be so! Tell a friend, journal or pray about how (some event or thing) has or could pull you away from worshiping our Lord. Pause and take time to just be in God’s presence without any other distractions. Be close to the Holy One who created you. Quietly recommit your mind and ways to God’s way. Take Sabbath together.

Prayer: Holy One, thank you for the Sabbath. Thank you for my connection to you. Teach me to know even in the smallest of ways when to speak up on your behalf and when to just stay in the quiet space with you. In worship and always, I am grateful for your presence. Amen.