Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath…what does that mean?
Matthew 12:1-21
SERMON OUTLINE
“The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:8)
What Is the Sabbath?
- The biblical background (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15)
- The rabbinical background
Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath (12:1-8)
- The accusation
- The comparisons
- Greater than the Temple
- The call to mercy
- Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus, Doing Good (12:9-14)
- The entrapment
- The comparison
- The healing
Jesus, the Promised One (12:15-21)
- The summary of His activity
- The quotation from Isaiah
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is the ideal day of rest for you? Why?
- This week we continue our series, “The Messiah’s Mission,” by looking at Matthew 12:1-21. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read that passage aloud.
- This text begins with Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees while walking in a grainfield on the Sabbath (12:1-8). What is the problem the Pharisees raise with Jesus?
- What two examples does Jesus offer to respond to the Pharisees’ criticism? What do these illustrations speak about who Jesus is?
- Jesus makes two bold statements in verses 6 and 8. What do you think the implications of these statements are for Jesus’ identity and authority?
- The next episode of our text takes place in a synagogue on the Sabbath (12:9-14). What is the situation and what are the Pharisees trying to do, according to verses 9-10?
- Jesus references common practice of care for animals as a parallel to what he is about to do (12:11-12). How does this help us understand why Jesus heals and how God views us as people?
- The Pharisees of Galilee are shamed and begin to figure out how to get rid of Jesus (12:14). This leads Jesus to draw away to avoid the impending conflict and Matthew to insert his longest Old Testament reference in the Gospel, drawn from Isaiah 42. What stands out to you most from this quote from Isaiah (Matthew 12:17-21)?
- How does this help you understand and relate to Jesus personally?
- In what way does this section of Scripture augment or illuminate what we looked at last week regarding Jesus’ invitation to take his restful yoke upon us (see Matthew 11:28-30)?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 12:8 or 12:17-21.
- Paint, draw, or ink one of the stories or the Isaiah text quoted by Matthew in 12:1-21. As you do that, prayerfully ask the Lord to grow your relationship with Him.
- Read and study Hebrews 4:1-13, which expands on the Christian understanding of the sabbath in light of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath.
- Explore the 39 Melachot, the rabbinical categories of “work” prohibited on the sabbath here
- Consider reading this interview with pastor and author Mark Buchanan: “I Know You’re Busy”