In Exodus 20, God gives the Ten Commandments to the Israelites. The commandment with the most instruction concerns Sabbath. 

One of the most impactful sermons I have heard pondered why this commandment can so often be neglected. The sermon began this way: “If I murder someone, I will be fired. If I commit adultery, I will lose my job. If I do not take a Sabbath, I will get a raise.” Why is the command of Sabbath treated differently?

Part of the answer lies in Jesus’ complicated attitude toward Sabbath in the New Testament. Local church leaders consistently accuse Jesus of breaking Sabbath laws; Jesus, in turn, berates local leaders for such accusations and uses the situation to demonstrate their unbelief. However, rather than rebel against the discipline of Sabbath, Christ through his ministry reclaims the purpose of Sabbath. 

With his words, Jesus denounces the law of Sabbath, yet in his actions, he affirms the practice. Jesus goes to the Synagogue on Sabbath days (Mark 3, Luke 4). He often retreats from the spotlight of his ministry to find time of solitude to rest and pray (Matthew 14, Luke 4). Instead of teaching people to serve the rules of the Sabbath, he says that “the Sabbath was made for man.” (Mark 2:27). Rather than focus on what is and is not allowed, Jesus proclaims that on Sabbath it is “lawful to do good.” (Matthew 12:12). He liberates his followers from the law while affirming the practice. His affirmation ought to inform our habits today. 

Why Sabbath? 

Throughout his life, Jesus affirms the practice of Sabbath. Why does Christ model this discipline? 

When God gives Israel the command to Sabbath, he also gives a reason: “[The Sabbath] will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy” (Exodus 31:13). Sabbath is important because it reminds us that God is who makes us holy. 

Sabbath is a reminder on three levels. First, it keeps us focused on God. The world easily distracts us from who makes us holy. The world teaches that fulfillment is found in work on Monday and enjoyment on Friday. The rhythm of Sabbath reminds us every week that neither work nor pleasure justifies us. It is God who makes us holy.

Second, Sabbath guards us against pursuing earthly treasures. The narrative of our society is that more is always better. More money is success; more work is diligence; more vacation is joy. Goodness is a bigger lifestyle. Practicing Sabbath guards against this mentality. It is a conscious choice to not pursue what is grandiose. Instead, we can rest from work because we believe in God’s abundant provision. Resting on Sabbath bolsters our faith in God’s abundance. It is not material abundance that justifies us; it is God’s abundant grace and mercy that make us holy. 

Finally, Sabbath frees us to live in communion with others and Creation. The only commandment that God extends to non-Israelites is the commandment of Sabbath. By resting, we find our identity in God, which allows us to live in communion even with the foreigner. It is God who makes us holy, not our nationality or religion or habits. 

Sabbath reorients our worldview. It is not just a rest day for maximal enjoyment. It is a day of rest that reorders our values. Instead of focusing on work or pleasure – selfish endeavors – committing to a Sabbath orients your life around a three-fold communion with God, community, and creation. It reminds you that God is who makes you holy. It gives you space to appreciate the friend and the alien. With this reorientation, Sabbath then liberates you to reenter your work with the goal of communion. 

Sabbath Today

Jesus demonstrates the freedom gained when one centers his or her life around Sabbath. Jesus lived in communion with both his Father and his Creation. Because of this, the pharisaical rules did not choke his Sabbath. Instead, Jesus had the freedom to heal on the Sabbath. He had the freedom to eat with his disciples or seclude himself and pray. He used the Sabbath to bring true rest to the world.

What does it look like to practice Sabbath today? While I encourage every reader to consider incorporating a full 24-hour period of Sabbath into his or her weekly rhythm, I honor the freedom Christ gives to interpret the discipline differently. As you ponder how to orient your life around three-fold communion, here are some ideas that have inspired me. 

In college, I took Saturday as a Sabbath. Every Saturday morning, I served in my community with various Christian non-profits. Jesus gives the freedom to heal; service is an excellent use of a Sabbath. I have friends who host dinner with various guests every Sabbath to foster community. I know people who spend hours praying by themselves every week. Jesus grants the freedom to participate in Sabbath differently, yet desires to offer all of us the gift of communion with him and his creation. 

Jesus gives us the freedom to Sabbath uniquely, but the practice is absolutely essential. Sabbath is at the core of our being and is the heartbeat of our universe. As you consider how God has called you to Sabbath, I ask you to meditate on the following:

Christ dies on a Friday and resurrects on a Sunday. Jesus waits a full day of Sabbath before conquering death. At the center of the gospel is a Sabbath. A day to ponder the work Christ has done up unto his death; a day to hope for the work Christ will complete in his resurrection. 

Pondering with you.