Topical Bible: Christ is God: As Lord of the Sabbath

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The concept of Christ as the Lord of the Sabbath is a significant theological assertion that underscores His divine authority and identity as God. This title is rooted in the New Testament, where Jesus explicitly claims authority over the Sabbath, a day traditionally set apart for rest and worship according to Jewish law.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for Christ being the Lord of the Sabbath is found in the Gospel of Matthew. In a confrontation with the Pharisees, who criticized His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath, Jesus declares, "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8). This statement is also recorded in Mark 2:28 and Luke 6:5, emphasizing its importance across the Synoptic Gospels.

Theological Implications

1. Divine Authority: By claiming lordship over the Sabbath, Jesus asserts His divine authority. The Sabbath was instituted by God at creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and codified in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 20:8-11). Jesus' declaration implies that He possesses the same authority as God, who established the Sabbath.

2. Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus' lordship over the Sabbath signifies His role in fulfilling the Law. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus states, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" . His authority over the Sabbath is part of this fulfillment, indicating that He brings the true rest and spiritual renewal that the Sabbath symbolizes.

3. Redefinition of Sabbath Observance: Jesus' actions and teachings often challenged the Pharisaic interpretations of the Sabbath. By healing on the Sabbath (e.g., Mark 3:1-6, John 5:1-18), Jesus demonstrated that the Sabbath should be a time for doing good and showing mercy, rather than adhering to legalistic restrictions. This redefinition highlights His authority to interpret and apply the Law.

4. Christ as Creator: The assertion of Christ as Lord of the Sabbath also points to His role in creation. John 1:3 affirms, "Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made" . As the Creator, Christ has authority over all creation, including the Sabbath.

Christological Significance

The title "Lord of the Sabbath" is a profound affirmation of Christ's divinity. It aligns with other New Testament passages that ascribe divine attributes and roles to Jesus, such as His pre-existence (John 1:1-14), His power to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-12), and His authority over life and death (John 11:25-26). These elements collectively affirm the Christian belief in the deity of Christ.

Practical Application

For believers, recognizing Christ as the Lord of the Sabbath encourages a focus on the spiritual rest and renewal found in Him. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a "Sabbath rest for the people of God," which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. This understanding invites Christians to find their rest in Jesus, who provides peace and restoration beyond the physical observance of a day.

In summary, the designation of Christ as the Lord of the Sabbath is a testament to His divine nature and authority. It reflects His fulfillment of the Law, His role as Creator, and His provision of spiritual rest, all of which are central to the Christian faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 2:3
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 12:8
For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ's Authority Over the Sabbath as Its Lord He Recalled it ...
... that this question could not have arisen, if Christ did not publicly proclaim [3853]
the Lord of the ... the right, if He belonged to the rival god; nor would ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xii christs authority over the.htm

The Sabbath
... Christ is God's." 2:Cor.4:15; 1:Cor.3:22, 23. The law of Ten Commandments, of which
the Sabbath forms a part, God gave to His people as a blessing. "The Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 29 the sabbath.htm

On the Creation of the World
... on account of the passion of the Lord Jesus Christ, we make either a station to
God, or a ... we are accustomed to fast rigorously, that on the Lord's day we ...
/.../victorinus/on the creation of the world/on the creation of the.htm

The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's
... So far our Lord has been answering His opponents ... Their judgment would have been liker
God's if they ... What mountains of harsh judgment by Christ's own followers ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the pharisees sabbath and christs.htm

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath ...
... be the Son of God (Romans 1:4), deserve a sabbath, for the perpetual commemoration
of it, to the honour of Christ, and therefore worthily called the Lord's day ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the true manner.htm

Let us Live with Christ.
... let every friend of Christ keep the Lord's Day as ... the victory over death was obtained
in Christ, whom the ... the enemies of the Saviour, deny, "whose god is their ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the magnesians/chapter ix let us live with.htm

Our Lord Jesus Christ Having Wrought in Jud??a Many and Great and ...
... Our Lord Jesus Christ having wrought in Jud??a many ... Alexander, Syrus, and many others,
speaking against Christ. ... he calls himself king and Son of God; and being ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 1 our lord jesus.htm

The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day.
... Christ calleth such, sacrilegious thieves; and as well may they steal the communion
cup from the Lord's table, as steal from God the chiefest part of ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/the true manner of keeping.htm

Vain Attempts of Marcion and his Followers, who Exclude Abraham ...
... setting at naught and blaspheming God, who introduces, through Jesus Christ, Abraham
to the ... 2. For the Lord vindicated Abraham's posterity by loosing ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter viii vain attempts of marcion.htm

Sacred Times --The Lord's Day.
... It was on that day that Christ rose from the dead ... a day of spiritual refreshing in
communion with God and in ... Next to the Church and the Bible, the Lord's Day is ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 57 sacred timesthe lords.htm