Rules. Love ‘em or hate ‘em? Or believe they can be bent?
We all have a rationale about rules.
The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were best known as “rule followers.” Perhaps you know a few or would even classify yourself as a rule follower. I believe my husband would say (in love) that he is married to one, as I proudly wore the badge of “traffic safety monitor” in elementary school.
Rules, Rules, Rules
The Pharisees and other religious leaders in Jesus’ day would make any modern-day rule follower look rudimentary in comparison to their own rule following handbook. These men were extreme and abrasive to put it simply. They took their job very seriously; policing others to their standard and even writing their own set of rules to make themselves look superior to the Law of the Old Testament.
The Pharisees and other religious leaders in Jesus’ day would make any modern-day rule follower look rudimentary in comparison to their own rule following handbook.
The rules of the Old Testament referred to as the Mosaic Law, were commands God gave His people through Moses. All of those commands are good for they reflect the character of God and reveal the ways we fall short.
The extreme rule following of the Pharisees became problematic when these men began to interpret the Law by making even more rules. Rules upon rules was their M.O.
Let’s look at the fourth commandment for example: “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy… on it you shall not do any work.” (Exodus 20:8, 10, NKJV). This commandment in and of itself is very good. God has given us seven days in each week, but He asks us to take one day out of the week to rest, to reflect, to recover, and to worship Him.
When Christ followers in the New Testament tried to follow the fourth commandment, they hit a bump in the road. There was no classification for work.
Could they help their neighbor?
Could they build a fire on a cold day?
Could they plant a garden or would all this be considered work?
I bet you can guess the Pharisees’ response…. more rules. The legalistic Pharisees were too wise in their own eyes. Many of them claimed that walking more than three-quarters of a mile on the Sabbath constituted work. This too was their mindset when they saw the disciples walking through a field on the Sabbath picking heads of grain. (Mark 2:23)
The Pharisees were appalled.
Through their legalistic lenses, this was a form of threshing, which was work, therefore forbidden. Indignantly, the Pharisees scolded Jesus, saying, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” (vs. 24)
Jesus modeled God’s heart by responding that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. (Mark 2:27)
Jesus came so we wouldn’t have to work ourselves into a religious frenzy. His obedience and sacrifice on the cross ultimately allows us to return to the rest and freedom God always intended for His people. (Hebrews 4:9-11)
Sabbath Rest
When was the last time you looked at Sunday (our Sabbath) as a gift?
Our Sabbath should be a joyful time, a privileged time to reconnect with God.
Our Sabbath should be a joyful time, a privileged time to reconnect with God. It was never meant to be a time for rules and restrictions keeping us from what’s really important: our relationship with Him.
If you are feeling spiritually parched, unsettled, or squeezed by traditions – it might be time to let go and focus on reconnecting with Jesus, who is Lord. Jesus, who invites us to eternal rest through faith in Him, recognized rest as a human need. He wired us so intricately that He knows our need for rest and reconnection through worship and holy assembly.
Set aside this Sabbath day and Easter week to give honor and glory to the Lord of the Sabbath who has given us everything!
Reflection Questions
When in your life have rules or legalism impacted your walk with God? What steps can you take to honor God with your actions while simultaneously living in the grace and freedom He offers through Jesus?
Do you take a Sabbath each week? How do you connect with God during your Sabbath? What would you like to change about how you conduct your Sabbath rest?
Prayer
Dear God,
during this Easter week help me find time to get still and reflect on your sacrifice and grace in my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.