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At the end of this chapter, we see a common problem that Jesus faced with the Pharisees. These law-abiding men had taken a command and turned it into a burden. The Sabbath was established to give man rest from his labors. However, the Pharisees turned it into a duty.
Jesus answered, “Have you never read what David did that time when he needed something to eat? He and his men were hungry, 26 so he went into the house of God and ate the bread offered to God. This happened when Abiathar was the High Priest. According to our Law only the priests may eat this bread—but David ate it and even gave it to his men.”
Mark 2:25-26 GNB
Jesus was not necessarily defending David’s actions, but He was placing perspective along with the Sabbath law. At this point in David’s journey, he was on the run from Saul. He was literally fleeing for his life. They asked for food because they were hungry, although, it was not permitted by the law. Jesus’ explanation shows that wisdom and logic are important. By the rationale of the Pharisees, David should have adhered to the law and starved to death. Jesus also purposely uses David in the analogy since he was regarded so highly by the teachers of the law.
“This is exactly what many people, steeped in tradition, simply cannot accept: that what God really wants is mercy before sacrifice (Hos 6:6); that love to others is more important than religious rituals (Isa 58:1-9); that the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart; these, O God, You will not despise (Psa 51:17).”
David Guzik
And Jesus concluded, “The Sabbath was made for the good of human beings; they were not made for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:27-28 GNB
Do we do this same thing today? Do we focus so intensely on the right behavior that we create a burden for people? The reality of Scripture is that Jesus sets us free. Through the Spirit, we have the power to joyfully follow His will. It doesn’t happen instantly, but the fruits of a Christian life flow naturally through faith – not through striving in our own strength to follow a moral behavior.
Honestly, this bothers me. Millions of people today believe that Christianity means “striving to be a good person.” Though we know clean, holy living is the final result, these people ultimately misunderstand the heart of Jesus. If you actually read the Bible, you will find that Jesus despised the weighty burdens that religious people placed on God-seeking people. The law was supposed to lead us to love God. Instead, it only demonstrated that we desperately need a Savior.
“Jesus became our rest when He did all the work necessary for our Salvation (Hebrews 4). He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). ‘Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes’ (Romans 10:4). We rest, spiritually, in Him; He has secured our eternal blessing.”
GotQuestions.org
If you are struggling with the heavy burdens of “Christianity”, then come to Jesus. Get to know Him. Worship Him. Commune with Him. Love Him. He will provide rest for your soul.