Why is it significant that Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and what does that tell us about His crossroads journey? Pastor Matt brings the message from the Gospel of Luke as we start a new series, “Crossroads.” Together, we look at two significant episodes on this: Luke 6:1-11 (Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath) and Luke 13:10-17 (Jesus heals a crippled woman on the Sabbath).
SERMON OUTLINE
Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Luke 6:5)
Sabbath Authority (Luke 6:1-5)
- Opposed for eating on the Sabbath
- Jesus’ Authority: over the Law and its interpretation
Sabbath Good (Luke 6:6-11)
- Opposed for healing on the Sabbath
- Jesus’ Principle: do good at every opportunity
Sabbath Freedom (Luke 13:10-17)
- Opposed for healing on the wrong day
- Jesus’ Victory: over evil powers
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- We begin a new series “Crossroads” this week that corresponds to Jesus’ journey toward the Cross and the season of Lent. This week we look at three stories from Luke 6 and 13. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you from His Word.
- The first story is found in Luke 6:1-5. Read it aloud. What is the setting and the apparent problem in this story?
- How does Jesus address the concern of the Pharisees? What does the story about David and his men tell us about Sabbath keeping and Sabbath breaking (see 1 Samuel 21:1-7)?
- What do you think is the significance of Jesus’ statement: “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:5)?
- The second story picks up at Luke 6:6-11. Read it aloud. What is the setting and the apparent problem here?
- What is Jesus’ main question of those listening? What sort of argument or claim is implicit in this question?
- Why do you think the religious leaders react to Jesus’ words and actions in the way they do (6:11)?
- The third story is found in Luke 13:10-17, but addresses a similar situation. Read it aloud. What is the setting and apparent problem in this third story?
- The synagogue leader offers a statement that is consistent with rabbinical teaching from the Law that if a disease wasn’t life-threatening then a cure should wait until a day other than the Sabbath. What is the synagogue leader trying to do here (13:14)?
- What is Jesus’ response to the synagogue leader (13:15-16)? Why is what He says here important?
- Identify one way that God is speaking to you personally about growing with Him. If you’re on your own, write it down and share it with someone later. If you are with a small group, share it with one another to end your group time.