Topical Bible: The Sabbath: Works of Mercy Lawful On

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, is a central tenet in Judeo-Christian tradition, originating from the creation narrative where God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). The observance of the Sabbath is commanded in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). However, the interpretation of what constitutes appropriate Sabbath observance has been a subject of theological discussion, particularly concerning the permissibility of works of mercy.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Sabbath is primarily a day of rest, a cessation from labor, as seen in Exodus 20:10: "But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God; on it you shall not do any work." However, the prophets and writings also emphasize the spirit of the law over the letter. Isaiah 58:13-14 highlights the importance of delighting in the Sabbath and doing what is pleasing to God, which can be interpreted as including acts of mercy and kindness.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament provides further clarity on the issue of works of mercy on the Sabbath. Jesus Christ, in His ministry, frequently addressed the Pharisaic interpretation of the Sabbath laws. In Matthew 12:10-12, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees by asking, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" He then states, "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath" . This passage underscores the principle that acts of mercy and goodness align with the Sabbath's purpose.

Similarly, in Mark 2:27, Jesus declares, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" , indicating that the Sabbath should serve humanity's well-being, which includes acts of compassion and mercy. This teaching is further exemplified in Luke 13:15-16, where Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath and rebukes the synagogue leader, emphasizing the importance of setting people free from their burdens.

Theological Implications

The allowance for works of mercy on the Sabbath reflects a broader theological understanding that the Sabbath is not merely about refraining from physical labor but about embodying God's love and compassion. The Sabbath becomes a day to reflect God's character, which includes mercy, justice, and kindness. This perspective aligns with the prophetic call in Micah 6:8 to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."

Practical Observance

In practical terms, the recognition of works of mercy as lawful on the Sabbath encourages believers to engage in activities that promote healing, restoration, and support for those in need. This can include visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, or any act that reflects God's love and compassion. Such activities are seen not as violations of the Sabbath but as fulfillments of its true intent.

In summary, the biblical narrative supports the view that works of mercy are not only lawful but are in harmony with the Sabbath's purpose. The teachings of Jesus Christ affirm that the Sabbath is a time for doing good, reflecting God's mercy, and serving others, thus fulfilling the deeper spiritual intent of this sacred day.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 12:12
How much then is a man better than a sheep? Why it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
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Matthew 13:16
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
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John 9:14
And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
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Library

Works which Hallow the Sabbath
... which later Christian theology has recognised as legitimate exceptions to the law
of the Sabbath rest; namely, works of necessity and of mercy. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/works which hallow the sabbath.htm

The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's
... So the two correspond to the old Puritan principle that the Sabbath law allowed
of 'works of necessity and of mercy.'. I. The Sabbath and personal needs. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the pharisees sabbath and christs.htm

The Sabbath
... murder in the heart upon God's holy day than love to all men, which finds expression
in deeds of mercy? ... The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 29 the sabbath.htm

How is the Sabbath or the Lord's Day to be Sanctified?
... Answer: The sabbath or Lord's day is to be sanctified by an holy resting ... so much
of it as is to betaken up in works of necessity and mercy) in the ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 117 0 0 how is the.htm

How is the Sabbath to be Sanctified?
... A60: The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even ... worship,
except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy. ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster shorter catechism/question 60 0 0 how is the.htm

Sabbath Observance
... is better when the traders love the Sabbath too well ... gospel is life by impartation
of unmerited mercy and divine ... will never forget any of their works, and will ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sabbath observance.htm

Bethesda and the Sanhedrin
... did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these
things on the Sabbath day ... Both by His words and by His works of mercy He was ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 21 bethesda and the.htm

Christ's Authority Over the Sabbath as Its Lord He Recalled it ...
... avoid honouring the Creator's Sabbath, and restoring to the Sabbath the works which
were ... not after the example, [3901] the gentleness, the mercy, and the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xii christs authority over the.htm

Practical Observations.
... Works of mercy and love are pleasing in the sight of God. ... 6. Why did Jesus
choose the Sabbath day to walk in the porches of Bethesda? ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/practical observations 10.htm

Jesus at Bethesda.
... There is no suspension on the Sabbath of works of benevolence and mercy." The Father's ...
teaching: 1. The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath; above it ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at bethesda.htm