Mark 2:23-3:6
In this week’s reading of Mark 2:23-3:6, Mark recounts two incidents involving Jesus and the Pharisees on the Sabbath. The Sabbath, or Shabbat, holds significant cultural and religious importance in Jewish tradition. Its observance is deeply rooted in the commandments given to the Israelites in the Torah, particularly in the Fourth Commandment. So the idea that Jesus was disregarding the Law or even blaspheming God did not sit well with those who were observing his actions. Here are some key points of significance from this passage:
Sabbath Controversy (Mark 2:23-28):
Plucking Grain on the Sabbath: The disciples were plucking heads of grain as they walked through the fields on the Sabbath, which was considered work by the Pharisees.
Reference to David: Jesus responded by referencing an incident from the life of David when he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, emphasizing the principle that mercy is more important than ritual observance.
Healing on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6):
Man with a Withered Hand: Jesus encountered a man with a withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath.
Pharisees' Reaction: The Pharisees closely watched Jesus, intending to accuse him if he healed on the Sabbath, which they considered a violation of their interpretation of the law.
Jesus' Response: Jesus challenged them by asking whether it was lawful to do good or harm on the Sabbath and proceeded to heal the man's hand, expressing compassion and rejecting the legalistic approach of the Pharisees.
Pharisees' Reaction: The Pharisees, angered and threatened, began to conspire with the Herodians against Jesus.
Significance:
Challenge to Legalism: In both incidents, Jesus challenged the rigid legalistic interpretation of Sabbath observance held by the Pharisees. He emphasized the importance of mercy, compassion, and the spirit of the law over strict adherence to rules.
Lord of the Sabbath: Jesus declared that "the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath," asserting his authority over the Sabbath and implying that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit.
Revelation of Jesus' Identity: By healing on the Sabbath and asserting authority over it, Jesus subtly revealed his divine identity as the Son of Man with the power to interpret and fulfill the law.
Conflict with Religious Authorities: These incidents intensified the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees. Jesus' actions challenged their established norms and traditions.
In summary, Mark 2:23-3:6 highlights the confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees over Sabbath observance, emphasizing mercy, compassion, and the true spirit of the law. It reveals Jesus' authority over the Sabbath and sets the stage for increasing tension with the religious leaders as they question and oppose his actions. Something for us to think about is how often we judge the actions of others because what they are doing appears to disregard Scripture or even blasphem God. Remember this week that the greatest commandment Jesus gave us was to love God completely and then to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
In God’s grip,
Chuck Church
If you are reading the Gospel of Mark with Pastor Chuck this year, below is a short and simple guide to doing so for this week:
Prayer: Heavenly Father, your words expose my innermost thoughts and desires. I am an open book before you when I read your book. May your truths work as I read of your holiness, truth, and love. May the power of your word be known in my life so that I might genuinely have the abundant life you came to give. Amen.
Read: Mark 2:23-3:6
Questions to guide your thinking:
Why do you believe the Pharisees were so concerned with Jesus and his attention to the Sabbath?
Jesus responded to them about the Sabbath with a reference to David. Do you believe this reference appeased them or made them more furious? Why?
Jesus challenged legalism in both of these instances of being questioned about the Sabbath by identifying himself as the Lord of the Sabbath. Do you think that helped or hurt his argument? Why or why not?
