Day 4
Reading: Mark 2:18–28
SOAP: Mark 2:27–28
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath. For this reason the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”
When Jesus broke the Sabbath law, the Pharisees questioned Him. They were concerned Jesus had broken the law and was leading others to do the same. Jesus reminded them what the Sabbath was for: to provide a time of rest and celebration for God’s people.
When Jesus challenged the Pharisees He showed His depth of understanding of God’s law (He did, in fact, write it). He showed how the law, specifically the Sabbath, was created to be a blessing, not a requirement for His people.
It can be easy to fall into legalistic practices, living like the Pharisees did. When we create rules for ourselves that do not come from God, we mock His grace in our lives. We can, instead, embrace God’s commands for their intended purpose, to enjoy and know God and His gifts for us.
Lord, it is so easy for me to get caught in legalism. Help me to trust Your grace as You grant me freedom. Help me to follow You and accept the grace and mercy You generously give every day. Amen.