Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 12 June 2022 | Lesson 23
Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 12 June 2022 | Lesson 23 Christ’s Teaching On Sabbath
Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 12 June 2022
Youth STS Lesson 23 | Christ’s Teaching On Sabbath
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CHRIST’S TEACHING ON SABBATH
Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 12 June 2022 | MEMORY VERSE:
“How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days” (Matthew 12:12).
TEXT: Matthew 12:1-21; Luke 6:1-16; 13:10-17
Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 12 June 2022 | MESSAGE
The Pharisees concentrated on monitoring the movement of Jesus Christ with the
goal of truncating His divine purpose. They sought to find fault which they
accomplished in His disciples who were plucking the ear of the corn and eating as
they went on the way of duty. The accusation of the Pharisees became an opportunity
for Christ to establish some fundamental truth about the Sabbath, “But he said
unto them, Have ye not read… But if ye have known what this meaneth…”
(Matthew 12:3,7).
It is unfortunate to read the Scriptures but still remain adamant
to the revelation of divine truth through hardness of heart (Hebrews 3:12). Ignorance
of the Scriptures is often the root cause of harsh and uncharitable criticisms of fellow
brethren by many so-called Christians (James 4:1).
Question 1: How can a believer denounce false teachers and doctrines in our contemporary day?
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able
by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9).
Just like Jesus did with the Pharisees and the Scribes, we can only silence false
teachers and prophets and set people free from their bondage of religious rituals and
misdirected zeal through appropriate interpretation of the word of God (Nehemiah
8:8).
Spiritual and academic progress is always a product of readiness to look away from
past victories and failures. This is also applicable to the level of our connection with
God who is the source of strength to those that know Him.
1. CLARIFICATION OF MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE SABBATH (Matthew 12:1- 8; Luke 6:1-5; 13:10-17; Matthew 7:28,29; 22:29; Mark 2:27,28; 3:1-8; Acts 18:26)
Question 2: State major reasons for the divine institution of the Sabbath.
The Greek word “sabbaton” translated Sabbath does not mean “seventh” but “rest”
or “ceasing”. Though God instituted, sanctified and blessed it (Genesis 2:2,3;
Leviticus 24:8), yet His purpose of instituting it was to afford man a day in the week
to rest from his labours and have special opportunity for worship, prayer and
fellowship with Him.
However, in the New Testament, the first day of the week (i.e.
Sunday) was observed and called the “Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10). It was on such
days that the early believers came together for special worship and fellowship (1
Corinthians 16:2; Acts 20:7). Furthermore, the first day of the week acquired special
significance by reason of the resurrection of Christ, and the accomplishment of our
salvation (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1). Therefore, after the
resurrection of Christ, the Jewish Sabbath of the seventh day became the first day
of the week for believers in Christ which is referred to as the “Lord’s day”.
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He used every opportunity to denounce all the
hypocritical bigotry that keeps people in bondage rather than giving freedom. He
used such opportunities to shed light into the darkened hearts of men by His clear
exposition of the word of God (John 8:32; 9:5).
Question 3: Explain why the Pharisees judged the action of Christ’s disciples
as unlawful.
The Pharisees were bitterly opposed to Christ because He did not conform to their
traditions on Sabbath regulations. They claimed to be Moses’ disciples (John 9:28),
holding to the letters of the Mosaic Law including the observance of Sabbath. With
their tradition of keeping the Sabbath, they accused the disciples of Jesus Christ of
not keeping the Sabbath because they plucked some wheat or barley heads and ruled
them in their hands to eat on the Sabbath day.
The disciples were not accused ofstealing because what they did was allowed in the law. A hungry man passing by thecorn field of his neighbour could pluck and eat, so long as he did not put in a sickleor collect into vessels with a view to carry them away to keep or sell. This was an
aspect of God’s desired hospitality and neighbourliness (Deuteronomy 23:25). But
the Pharisees were accusing them of doing work on the Sabbath day as they probably
interpreted their action as act of harvesting.
The unjustified accusation of the Pharisees reveals the fact that they were simply
fault-finders. They intentionally closed their minds against the truth. These religious
leaders were so callous, spiritually ignorant and insensitive to the plight of fellow
humans. Their criticism did not however, stop Christ from fulfilling His ministry to
the people oppressed and afflicted by Satan.
Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 12 June 2022 | Lesson 23
Question 4: Give reasons the Pharisees had the wrong perception of Sabbath.
These religious critics against Christ had a wrong perception and misconception
about the Sabbath day because, first, they did not fully understand the Scriptures
as they relied on the letters of the law, rather than the Spirit of God (Amos 2:4;
Hebrews 3:10).
Second, they did not search the Scriptures for sound understanding
of the Sabbath. Third, they were too legalistic in spite of the plights and sufferings of
fellow men. Fourth, they were hypocritical, insincere, unbelieving and anti-Christ in
attitude (Matthew 12:10,14; Luke 13:14-17). To avoid false teachers and their
doctrines, believers are admonished to, “Study to shew thyself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
However, it is noteworthy that Christ showed that works which pertain to the
necessity of human life, mercy and for the glory of God could be undertaken on the
Sabbath day.
2. CHRIST’S CONCERN FOR THE PEOPLE (Matthew 12:9-13; Luke 6:6-10; Luke
19:9,10; 8:37-40; John 11:7-9; Acts 10:38; Exodus 20:8-11; Leviticus 24:8)
Despite the criticism and indignation of the Pharisees, Christ went on preaching the
truth everywhere and showing mercy to multitude of people in line with His divine
purpose of coming to the world (Acts 10:38). Christ’s experience taught every
contemporary believer that there is an opportunity in every adversity. We must not
allow obstacles in life or ministry to hinder us from our goal or destination but
manfully uphold scriptural truth. Jesus left the distraction of the Pharisees to move
into the temple for another God-glorifying event which involved the healing of the
man with withered hand.
The lessons youth can draw are as follows: one, as we labour for the establishment of Christ’s kingdom through the preaching of the gospel, we must avoid conflicts and unnecessary arguments which can distract us from our goals (2 Timothy 2:23,24).
Two, we must be focused, determined and resilient in doing God’s will no matter the devices and opposition of Satan (Acts 20:24;Galatians 2:5,6). Nothing can harm us when we are on the path of duty for the Lord.
Three, despite the enmity, opposition and criticism, we must not slack or draw back from
Christ’s righteous expectations from us. Four, we must not allow the actions of any
brother or sister to make us forsake the fellowship of God’s children (Hebrews 10:25).
Jesus did not allow His worship at the temple to be affected by the repulsive action
of the Pharisees.
Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 12 June 2022 | Lesson 23
Question 5: What lesson can a Christian youth draw from Christ’s concern for
the people?
The healing of the man with withered hand present important lesson to all youths:
first, a man that will receive cure from sin must obey Christ’s command to come, and
stretch out the hand through prayers of repentance and thereafter, do extraordinary
duties for the expansion of God’s kingdom. Second, our blessing depends on our
obedience. Third, only a contact with Christ can make a man completely whole.
In reaction to the errors and misconception of the Sabbath, Christ affirmed with
finality, the true essence and practice of the Sabbath. He sealed His teaching on the
Sabbath by His authority that, “For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Christ taught that: one, the Sabbath is made for man’s benefit and not man for the
Sabbath. Two, the Sabbath is for the purpose of doing good to others especially as
regards saving lives (Mark 3:4,5; Acts 10:38). Three, we can use our spiritual gifts to
bless others and edify the church as Christ did on the Sabbath day.
3. CHRIST’S SENSIBLE REACTION TO PHARISEES’ PLOT (Matthew 12:14-21; 3:7;
Luke 6:6-12; Romans 14:4-10; Colossians 2:16,17; 2 Timothy 2:24; James 1:26;
3:14-17; Proverbs 22:3)
Question 6: What lessons can we draw from the reaction of Christ to the
Pharisees’ plan?
“But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great
multitudes followed him, and he healed them all” (Matthew 12:15). Jesus
demonstrated clearly that it is not an act of cowardice for believers to avoid danger
when they can. (Proverbs 22:3). The believer must therefore be humble enough to
acknowledge his weakness and avoid objects of temptations that could lead to his
fall. We must avoid environments, friends, career, social events, etc., that could make
us lose our testimony of holiness. Like Jesus, we must avoid pride that is instigated
by current exploits (Proverbs 16:18). We mustn’t seek for vainglory. God will always
exalt the humble and those who faithfully pursue the heavenly vision.
It is noteworthy that the people were amazed, followed and were healed; therefore,
glorified God for what Christ did. But the Pharisees were aggrieved (Matthew
12:14,15,24). Jesus knew their thoughts. This is a clear revelation that He knows
what we are thinking about at any time; He knows what is in man. Christian youths
should not be grieved when others are demonstrating the power of God in the
fellowship but rather give God the glory and seek for their own spiritual upliftment
(1Corinthians 12:27-31; Mark 9:38-40; Acts 19:13). Unbelief and sentimental spirit
will hinder anyone from enjoying the manifestation of God’s power as we see in the
life of the Pharisees (Matthew 12:14,15).
Jesus Christ “charged them that they should not make him known” (Matthew
12:16), because it has been written of Him that, “He shall not strive, nor cry;
neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets…” (Matthew 12:19-21). This
is a lesson to every Christian youth that they must not strive with any man for any
reason, but leave everything to God. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive;
but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient” (2 Timothy 2:24). “Dearly
beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is
written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
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