I find it an interesting juxtaposition that the chapter where we read about Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, death and burial ends with these words, “On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.”
Jesus was the Lord of the Sabbath and had more than one run in with the scribes and Pharisees over the things He did on the that holy day. However, as God, He had also rested on the very first Sabbath and had given the commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” God said that His people were to rest from all their work on that day, and that is exactly what we find Jesus, the women, the disciples, and even the priests, scribes and Pharisees doing. (Yes, some obeyed with less than pure reasons, but they all rested.)
Jesus had come into this world to perform a very important work. He came to give his life in our place; to die so that we can live. He had accomplished that work when He died on the cross. Much like when God created the world, He finished his work and said, “It’s finished.” “It is good.” And then He rested. Friday, Saturday and part of Sunday – three days by the ancient counting – he rested in the tomb. The one who said, “I am the resurrection and the life,” lay dead waiting for Sunday morning when He would rise again.
It is fitting that they all rested that Sabbath. It was at the Fall into sin that God said, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread. . . .” Because of sin we have to labor for food and the other things we need in this world. God says, “. . . in pain you shall eat of it . . . .” Disobedience to God brings unsettledness into our lives. There can be no peace when our behavior drives God away. There can be no rest when we are far from God – and that is where sin takes us, far from God.
But now, in Jesus’ death, that sin has been atoned for. It has been taken away. The fretting over being good enough, the worry over, “have I done enough,” and the guilt over, “I’ve done too much of the wrong things,” is all taken away; nailed to the cross and left there.
So Jesus rests. And so can we.
We still have a tendency to make our relationship with God about what we do, but we should pause and get our bearings. When we enter into God’s house for worship, take a deep breath and let it go and relax for a moment in God’s presence. When you read the Bible, get comfortable and let out a sigh of contentment and rest for moment. Let Jesus’ completed work be enough.
And, yes, there will be more for us to do. We must still work to feed our families and ourselves. We still toil under the curse of sin and its consequences in this world, but the curse is removed between us and God and we have peace with Him. Rest in His peace, and use the energy you gain from that rest to bring God’s love and peace into the world.
Father in Heaven, you rested on the Sabbath. Lord Jesus, you rested in the tomb when you had completed your work. Help me to rest in You knowing that You love me, that You provide for me, and that I am forgiven. Then give me the strength to be your person in this world and to share the hope you have given me with others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Jesus was the Lord of the Sabbath and had more than one run in with the scribes and Pharisees over the things He did on the that holy day. However, as God, He had also rested on the very first Sabbath and had given the commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” God said that His people were to rest from all their work on that day, and that is exactly what we find Jesus, the women, the disciples, and even the priests, scribes and Pharisees doing. (Yes, some obeyed with less than pure reasons, but they all rested.)
Jesus had come into this world to perform a very important work. He came to give his life in our place; to die so that we can live. He had accomplished that work when He died on the cross. Much like when God created the world, He finished his work and said, “It’s finished.” “It is good.” And then He rested. Friday, Saturday and part of Sunday – three days by the ancient counting – he rested in the tomb. The one who said, “I am the resurrection and the life,” lay dead waiting for Sunday morning when He would rise again.
It is fitting that they all rested that Sabbath. It was at the Fall into sin that God said, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread. . . .” Because of sin we have to labor for food and the other things we need in this world. God says, “. . . in pain you shall eat of it . . . .” Disobedience to God brings unsettledness into our lives. There can be no peace when our behavior drives God away. There can be no rest when we are far from God – and that is where sin takes us, far from God.
But now, in Jesus’ death, that sin has been atoned for. It has been taken away. The fretting over being good enough, the worry over, “have I done enough,” and the guilt over, “I’ve done too much of the wrong things,” is all taken away; nailed to the cross and left there.
So Jesus rests. And so can we.
We still have a tendency to make our relationship with God about what we do, but we should pause and get our bearings. When we enter into God’s house for worship, take a deep breath and let it go and relax for a moment in God’s presence. When you read the Bible, get comfortable and let out a sigh of contentment and rest for moment. Let Jesus’ completed work be enough.
And, yes, there will be more for us to do. We must still work to feed our families and ourselves. We still toil under the curse of sin and its consequences in this world, but the curse is removed between us and God and we have peace with Him. Rest in His peace, and use the energy you gain from that rest to bring God’s love and peace into the world.
Father in Heaven, you rested on the Sabbath. Lord Jesus, you rested in the tomb when you had completed your work. Help me to rest in You knowing that You love me, that You provide for me, and that I am forgiven. Then give me the strength to be your person in this world and to share the hope you have given me with others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Comments