Is Sabbath Rest Strictly Mandated, or Is There Room for Flexibility?
In this article, you will learn how Exodus 31:15 contradicts Matthew 12:8, Mark 2:27, Luke 6:9, John 5:17, Romans 14:5 and Colossians 2:16. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The concept of the Sabbath as a day of rest is rooted in the ancient teachings found in Exodus 31:15, where it is clearly stated as a commandment from God that people should work for six days and rest on the seventh. This day is described as special and sacred to God, with dire consequences for those who choose to work on it. This establishes a seemingly strict guideline for Sabbath observance.
However, as we look into the New Testament, several verses suggest a different perspective, introducing a potential contradiction. In Matthew 12:8, Jesus asserts His authority over the Sabbath, implying that its observance might not be as rigid as previously thought. Similarly, in Mark 2:27, Jesus emphasizes that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath, suggesting that the day should be beneficial rather than burdensome.
In Luke 6:9, Jesus challenges the established norms by questioning if it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, which hints at a more compassionate approach. Analogously, if a lifeguard sees someone drowning on their day off, they're compelled to act despite it being a rest day. Jesus underscores a similar sentiment in John 5:17, where divine work is illustrated as ongoing, even on the Sabbath.
Further expanding on this theme, Paul in Romans 14:5 points out that some individuals might hold different perspectives regarding the importance of certain days, advocating for personal conviction. Paul reiterates this idea in Colossians 2:16, advising against letting others judge one's observance of the Sabbath.
These differing perspectives largely revolve around whether the Sabbath is a strict rule or a flexible guideline, tailored to better serve humanity. This divergence invites a deeper reflection on the true purpose and observance of this sacred day.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Exodus 31:15 | Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. [holy: Heb. holiness] |
| 2. | Matthew 12:8 | For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. |
| 3. | Mark 2:27 | And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: |
| 4. | Luke 6:9 | Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy [it]? |
| 5. | John 5:17 | But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. |
| 6. | Romans 14:5 | One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [fully persuaded: or, fully assured] |
| 7. | Colossians 2:16 | Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: [in meat...: or, for eating and drinking] [respect: or, part] |