Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #17 — Jesus’ Sabbath-keeping example

Picture: Counsel #17 — Jesus’ Sabbath-keeping example CCW 94.1

When Jesus walked this earth, the Jewish religious leaders had stacked the Sabbath with man-made rules. They thought helping people or showing kindness on that day was “breaking the law.” But Jesus flipped that thinking upside down by saying it was right to do good on the Sabbath. And He backed it up by how He lived. CCW 94.2

Jesus spent the seventh-day Sabbath teaching God’s Word,^[138] gathering in worship at synagogues,^[139] and relieving suffering.^[140] He healed broken bodies and hurting hearts—even when the religious leaders sought to kill Him. When healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath day, Jesus asked His critics, “If you’d rescue your sheep on the Sabbath, how much more should you care for a person?”^[141] By doing this, Jesus didn’t cancel the Sabbath; He honored it. He cut through the lifeless traditions that drained its joy and showed what God intended all along. To Him, the Sabbath wasn’t about burdensome restrictions—it was about freedom, healing, worship, and rest.^[142] CCW 94.3

Our name, “Christian,” proclaims that we are Christ’s followers. So it should be that, like Him—Who kept the Sabbath holy, we gather, worship, rest, and serve with acts of mercy—reflecting His heart every seventh-day Sabbath.^[143] CCW 94.4

“…It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.’” Matthew 122:12b CCW 94.5

“By sweeping away the senseless restrictions of the Jews, Christ honored the Sabbath, while those who complained of Him were dishonoring God’s holy day.” Ellen White in The Desire of Ages, p. 287 CCW 94.6

Reflect: How should Christ’s method of Sabbath-keeping impact our observance? CCW 94.7