1. According to 2 Timothy 2:15, those who seek God's approval will be very concerned with "rightly dividing the word of truth." 2. This morning we showed how the scribes and Pharisees did not rightly divide the Scriptures -- their worship was vain because they taught the commandments of men for their doctrines. 3. The Gospels show how certain Jewish leaders had problems with "binding and loosing" concerning the Sabbath. 4. In this lesson we are examining occasions in each of the Gospels when Jesus was criticized for doing great works on the Sabbath. 5. Our purpose is to help us avoid the practice of interpreting Scripture like the Lord's critics did. 6. Let us begin by making note of . . .
Discussion:
I. GOD'S LAW FOR THE SABBATH (EXODUS 20:8-11)
A. God did not give a detailed list of things that could be done and things that could not be done on the Sabbath. B. However, He informed the Israelites that the Sabbath (the 7th day of the week): 1. was to be kept "holy" 2. was a day of rest for everyone, including the animals 3. was to be observed every week.
II. THE JEWISH LEADERS HAD THEIR OWN DOCTRINES RELATING TO THE SABBATH
A. (Matthew 12:1-8) The Pharisees criticized the Lord's disciples for picking and eating grain on the Sabbath. 1. Jesus pointed out their inconsistencies. a. They overlooked David's violation of the law when he and his followers ate the showbread. b. They also overlooked the actions of the priests when they offered sacrifices on the Sabbath. 2. Jesus informed the Pharisees that His disciples were "guiltless." B. (Mark 3:1-6) The Pharisees criticized Jesus for healing the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. 1. Jesus asked several questions in vs.4 that should have made them think about their beliefs. 2. Unfortunately, they plotted to destroy Jesus. C. (Luke 13:10-17) Jesus was criticized for healing a woman on the Sabbath. 1. Jesus pointed out the hypocrisy of the ruler of the synagogue (vs.15). 2. It would seem that this man had more concern for his animals than for this woman. D. (John 5:8-16) The Jews wanted to kill Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath. 1. This man had suffered 38 years. 2. He was also criticized for carrying his bed as Jesus had instructed him.
Conclusion:
1. The people we have examined had problems concerning the way they interpreted God's law for observing the Sabbath. 2. Let us avoid their practice of "binding" and "loosing" as we endeavor to follow the Lord's New Testament today. 3. At the present time we are especially concerned with passages that reveal God's will for Christian worship. 4. Let us "rightly divide" the Scriptures so we can have God's approval.
