We are continuing in our discussion in the Gospel of Mark and looking at the example of Jesus Christ. Last week we saw His revolutionary view of fasting and the intent God had in regards to fasting. The Pharisees had missed the intent and made it into a religious burden rather than a time of worship. Instead of it being a joyous affair, it was a sad and sorrowful act, which is not the intention of God.

This week we see Jesus again bring about a revolution when He confronts the Pharisees on the law of the Sabbath.  We see that Jesus and His disciples were seen gleaning grain from a field and eating it. The Pharisees interpreted that as "working" on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a day, commanded by God (Exodus 20), to be a Holy day devoted to rest from all forms of labor. However, this command became twisted in the minds of man (like many other things) and was added onto by the religious officials attempting to interpret what God meant by a day of rest. Therefore, they added laws and regulations and rules that accompanied the command. And I believe that in this incident, Jesus is saying to the Pharisees, "YOU ARE MISSING THE POINT." The Pharisees were completely twisted in their interpretation of the Sabbath Day. Their devotion of upholding the Law and "being perfect" in the eyes of God was taking precedence in their lives, rather than seeking God.

In the same way, the church of today "misses the point." We too get wrapped up in the following of rules and rituals rather than living in the freedom and the new life that we are granted through Jesus Christ.  We miss the point that we are only saved through the grace that God gives us, not by our own works. For the Pharisees, righteousness came through their works, but the reality is that righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ and nothing else. We need to get out of this "religious" thinking and living and start living in the redemption that we have in Jesus Christ.

So the Pharisees accuse Jesus of violating the Law of the Sabbath twice. Once with the disciples gleaning grain, and next when Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in the synagogue.  Both times were completely legal, according to Law. He did these actions for two reasons:

1. Human needs take priority over ceremonial man-made regulations.

2. To show the Pharisee's narrow interpretation of the Law blurred God's intention for the Sabbath.

In both instances we see that Jesus put the needs of others above the laws given by man. As Christians, that should be central in our lives. First, love God, then love others. But so often it is so hard to do so. Sometimes we get so caught up in their theological perspective or other legalism that we forsake them and turn away from helping them. And in doing so, we turn our backs on our Savior and our calling. We can not be more concerned with the following of the man-made Law than being concerned with those who are in need. DON'T MISS THE POINT!

God's intention for the Sabbath is pretty simple, RELAX AND REST. God understands that we humans need time to rest and recuperate from our labor. Labor is tough and rest is needed. The Sabbath was meant to be a blessing, not a burden. But the man-made regulations that were tacked on were burdensome to the Jews. But that is not the intention. We should all take a Sabbath one of these days. It is a time of meditating on the Word of God, resting in His love, and being rejuvenated to continue our work.

In seeing this example I pray that we can move beyond the realm of religion and into the realm of redemption, relationship, and love. Too many times we get hung up on man-made legalism and don't look at the real need. I pray that we can do that in our everyday life. Don't live your life as the Pharisees do, pointing out the faults of others and working your way to glory. Because these were the people who angered Jesus the most (Matt.23).

We need to get out of the religious mindset and start living in freedom and the redemption that we have through Jesus Christ. SO I ASK:

- Are you living out of an attitude of WORSHIP AND GRATITUDE and LOVE FOR GOD, or out of an attitude of SELFISHNESS AND PRIDE AND AUTHORITY?

- Do you put yourself over those who you KNOW NEED YOUR HELP?

- Are you too CONCERNED with the MAN-MADE RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS that you have and NOT CONCERNED about those around you? 

DON'T MISS THE POINT OF CHRISTIANITY! God Bless!