MARK 2:23-28 MEDITATION - Part 1 THE SABBATH - THE PHARISEES AND THE LAW
Introduction
This episode is an exchange of words between Jesus and the Pharisees structured around a central issue of Judaism, the sabbath, thus continuing and deepening the rift between Jesus and the religious authorities of the time. Here the issue is more serious. This is one of a sequence of clashes with the religious leaders, the fourth. Jesus taught in the synagogue “as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (1:21); he used the title “Son of Man” and claimed authority to forgive sins (2:10), validated by the healing of the paralytic (2:11-12), feasting at the house of Levi with the revelation of Jesus, bride of Israel, and now claims to be “lord even of the sabbath” (2:28), equal to God. There is a crescendo in action, in the revelation of identity and a corresponding crescendo in the reaction of the religious leaders, reaching a climax in Mark 3:6 where the conspire to kill him.
The structure consists in a provocative situation, a question / accusation and an answer / defence, followed by another stunning assertion. The general impression is that the religious authorities are spying on every movement of Jesus and his followers in order to undermine his authority as a leader.
What is the Sabbath? Its Origin and Purpose
In order to understand the full impact of this episode we need to know something about the sabbath, its purpose and meaning.
Observance of the sabbath was a fundamental factor in the identity of Judaism. The sabbath lasted from Friday sunset till Saturday sunset. We know that observance of the sabbath is one of the ten commandments, the Decalogue: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8) and is binding on Jews and Christians alike.
The sabbath was instituted in Genesis when, after 6 days of creative activity, God rested, stood back and observed the creation and came to the conclusion that it was good. Man is invited to do the same stop, stand back see his contribution to the creation and reflect on what God has done for him. He is invited to rest with God, in union with him. This is meant to evoke a disposition of admiration, praise, thanksgiving in the framework of active collaboration with God in a common project.
On the sabbath the Israelites were also invited to remember and celebrate their particular relationship with God, their covenant: “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you”. (Exodus 31:13)
The sabbath was seen therefore as binding the people of Israel together with God in remembrance for and appreciation of the creation. It was such a serious matter that the penalty for non-observance was death. Bearing this in mind we see the seriousness of the accusation of the Pharisees with regard to the disciples of Jesus in this episode.
The sabbath, like the law in general, was to regulate relationships, divine and human. The sabbath makes man aware of God as creator with a special relationship with his people. It was instituted for the benefit of man, to protect man and society and to draw man closer to God. It was not meant to be a burden, but to guarantee the freedom of man. It was a means of making the day holy, wholly dedicated to God by making a clean break with daily routine of work.
The aim of the sabbath was to introduce a balance in the life of man so that he can relate to himself and to others in a balanced way. It was meant to create an inner oasis of peace in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the week, an oasis in which man can be refreshed and focus on God and on things of the spirit. It was meant to de-stress man and to introduced a healthy balance in his life and relationships and to prepare him for the tasks of the following week. It was one day when spirit, soul and body could come together. Without this day man risks just drifting along from one task to another, like beasts of burden.
This is just as relevant today. By observing the sabbath we enter into the rest of the Lord, we enter into greater fellowship with the Lord of life, with he who is the source, strength and driving force of life, the guardian of healthy balanced living. It is much more than taking a break from normal activities, more than having a lie in, more than simply relaxing the body.
By not observing the sabbath man implicitly rejects the invitation of union with God, withdraws and enters into a state of separation, of isolation, a state of sin. This has inevitable repercussions on himself and on his relationships. When we are not rested in our spirit our whole being becomes restless conditioning negatively how we relate to ourselves and to others. Union with God brings union and harmony in our small sphere of influence.
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Mark 2:23-28 Text and Questions
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