Teenside Daily Devotional

5/21/20
Read Matthew 12:1-8.

The Pharisees challenge Jesus, as they see his disciples “breaking” God’s Law. Jesus gives an insightful response, referencing a rather obscure story from 1 Samuel 21, regarding David and his men eating holy bread from the priests. He also acknowledges that priests have to “work” on the Sabbath in accordance with the Law. In both cases, Scripture does not condemn either of these actions. There are perfectly reasonable circumstances to “profane” the Sabbath. Does this mean that Jesus is changing the Law regarding the Sabbath? No!

Recall that Jesus spent the entirety of the Sermon on the Mount reinterpreting Old Testament scriptures, not rewriting them. This is what Jesus is doing here. The Pharisees were holding to the Law of the Sabbath too strictly, to the point where people were condemned for doing almost anything, as we see with Jesus’ disciples here. But, Jesus says “something greater than the temple is here” referring to himself. The Sabbath points back to Christ. We saw in the last chapter that Jesus came to give rest, which is what the Sabbath was intended for. However, instead of being restful, the people of Israel were becoming restless while trying to make sure they didn’t do anything on the Sabbath.

Again, it is easy to completely forget that Jesus offers rest. While we don’t exactly practice Sabbath as a Church like Israel did, the principles of Sabbath can be extremely helpful in making sure you keep a balanced life. Find what gives you the most rest and make time to do it. Ask God to give you rest. And once you are rested, then you can get back to the work of the kingdom, knowing that you will have everything you need, including energy and focus, to get it done!

Questions:
*Take a moment to journal these questions. Write down your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Then date your entry. One of the coolest things is being able to look back and see how God came through for you.*

1. As was said before, the Sabbath, just like everything in the Old Testament, points back to who Jesus is. In what ways do you find this to be true?
2. What are those activities that bring you the most rest? How can you implement them into your life regularly to make sure that you are well prepared for the opportunities God will bring your way?
3. Read 1 Samuel 21. Although this story has a specific context, the principles within it made it a good resource for Jesus when he needed to respond to a challenge. In what ways have you been able to use God’s Word to speak into a situation recently?

Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Thank God for the rest He gives and the simplicity of the gospel. Ask that He would show you what you need to stop in order to receive the rest in your soul. Declare that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Everything you give to Him, He can take. He wants peace for your life.

Song: Rest in You– All Sons & Daughters

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/169Fs68hROYRdS362T8D9w