Sabbath, Pt. 4: Sabbath and Jesus
About the Series
In our fast-paced world, where busyness is often worn as a badge of honor, we are invited to return to a rhythm of rest through the practice of Sabbath. This series will explore Sabbath’s connection to God’s work of creation, its formative significance for God’s liberated people, and its embodiment and fulfillment in Jesus. Sabbath is an invitation to delight. But beyond a simple day off, this practice is a deliberate act of resistance and counter-formation, and can even be a work of justice. We want this series to be a conversation and safe space where together we can explore and experiment. Ultimately, we long to be a people who delight in God and who live in step with—at the pace of—the Holy Spirit.
Reflect on Last Week
Before we discuss this week’s teaching and take the conversation further, let’s take a few minutes to reflect on and share about any experiences or Sabbath experimentation from this past week.
Remember, this is about practice, not performance. We are each given loads of permission to be exactly where we are with this, not where we or anyone else thinks we should be.
Did you practice sabbath this last week? If yes, what did you do and what was it like? If no, but you wanted to, what obstacles did you face? If no, and you didn’t intend to, no worries! Tell us how you are processing the invitation to the sabbath practice?
Read this Sermon Recap
Sabbath Pt. 4: Sabbath and Jesus.
What Jesus Does. Just a quick survey through the New Testament reveals that on the Sabbath Jesus went to the synagogue, read and taught scripture, healed people, ate meals, and wandered through fields with his friends. It should also be acknowledged that Jesus was Jewish, he came from a Jewish family, and was a first century Jewish rabbi, and as such he more than likely practiced a weekly Sabbath.
What Jesus Says. There is only one significant moment in the gospels where Jesus teaches something having to do with the Sabbath: two narrative scenes stitched together, (1) about Jesus’ disciples plucking grain and eating on the Sabbath, and (2) about Jesus healing on the Sabbath. In these scenes Jesus says, (1) “It is lawful to do good,” (2) “I desire mercy over sacrifice,” and (3) “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
When it comes to the practice of sabbath—or when it comes to how we order all of our time—what voices are we listening to? The Holy Spirit is present with and inside his disciples and is available as comforter, guide, counselor, and teacher. Are we listening for the kind, gentle, life-giving, and sometimes firm voice of Jesus?
Discuss these Questions
(Leaders: Before going into the questions, you may want to give your group a minute or so of silence, reflecting on and listening to the Spirit around the question, “What is Jesus inviting you to notice tonight?”)
Tonight we are going to use this set of questions to guide our discussion. You may want to pull up the guide on your phone to help you process and reflect.
What stands out to you from Sunday’s teaching? What has been staying with you that you’d like to share?
Reflecting on what Jesus did and said on the Sabbath, what aspects of Jesus’ own Sabbath practice resonate with you? How might Jesus' example influence your understanding of what Sabbath observance can look like in your own life?
The sermon highlights the importance of listening for the voice of Jesus made available by the Holy Spirit. What might help us tune into the voice of Jesus amidst the noise of our busy lives?
Below is the slide of questions and prompts that were shown on the screen during the teaching.
Which question(s) did you sit with on Sunday? Did you sense God speaking in that time? If so, what was God saying and how are you receiving it? If this is the first time you’re engaging with these prompts, which one is sticking out to you and why?
One final question before we turn toward prayer:
Is there something you are being led or inspired to try this week when it comes to the practice of Sabbath? How can our small group support you in that?
Before we close and read the practice for the week, let’s take some time to pray for each other. (Leaders: you can take additional prayer requests and/or pray along the lines of what has been shared regarding sabbath practice.)
Practice for the Week
Try setting aside about 20 minutes at the beginning of your week to intentionally invite Jesus into your planning process. Start by making a list of the tasks and activities you have to do this week. As you do, pause to invite Jesus into each aspect of your schedule. Consider how He might guide you in prioritizing your time and energy.
Perhaps later in the week, take another few minutes to review your weekend plans. Whether you have social engagements, household chores, or personal activities scheduled, invite Jesus into these plans as well. Ask Him to show you opportunities to rest and to delight in God and God’s gifts.
Trust that Jesus is present in the details of your life. Allow the Spirit’s wisdom to shape your decisions and actions in the days ahead.
