Sermon Outline
LORD OF THE SABBATH
Matthew 11:28 – 12:21; (cf. Mark 2:23-27)
May 24, 2020, Pastor Danny Goh
Introduction
The “gift” of a CB: The bane and benefits of a partial lockdown! A gift certificate: The blessings of a day to attend to your soul
A. The Text & Context of Matthew 12:1-12
1. The accusation of the religious rulers
Disciples plucking ears of corn
Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath (5 occasions)
2. The arguments of Jesus
The action of David and his men
The work of priests in the Temple
The desire of God for mercy and kindness
3. The authoritative statement: “Lord of the Sabbath”
The authority to use the sabbath as He thinks fit
The ‘authority’ of human need (over legalistic regulations) cf. Mark 2:27, Luke 13:15, 16
B. The Principles & Practices of the Sabbath (Its Meaning & Purposes)
1. Ceasing
Creation account (Gen 2:1-3, Exo 20:9-10):
Q: Why would God need to rest?
Liberation account (Deut. 15:5-6)
Slaves but now made free
Modern-day slavery and freedom from these
Possessions, shopping, consumerism, competition, media, technology, anxiety, addictions, productivity, achievement
2. Resting
Too busy to rest? The 24/7 syndrome
The invite to rest: The 6+1 rhythm
The invite to rest: Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Kinds of rest: Physical, emotional, spiritual
3. Embracing & Delighting
Embracing the values of the kingdom
Embracing His unconditional love
Embracing (and nurturing) the gifts of relationships
Delighting in the Lord
“If you refrain from trampling the sabbath, from pursuing your own interests on my holy day; if you call the sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honourable; if you honour it, not going your own ways, serving your own interests, or pursuing you own affairs; then you shall take delight in the Lord and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth.” Isaiah 58:15-16
Delighting (taking notice) in the gifts of the Lord:
Creation and provision
Conclusion:
Keeping the Sabbath: Three questions or criteria
1. Does it promote rest and/or relaxation?
2. Does it bring delight and enjoyment?
3. Does it give you a sense of sanctity and holiness?
(Does it add to your sense of Sabbath?)
Keeping the Sabbath or losing your soul?
