Episode 054 – The Sabbath Pt 6: Unleash The Freedom
Key Passage(s): Mark 2:27; Luke 13:14-16; Matthew 11:28-30
Thus far, we’ve been talking about the Sabbath in the context of the Older Testament. And now, we get to hear from Jesus! And my oh my, hang on tight. The Sabbath was ridiculously important to Jesus and he addressed it at every opportunity. He knew what an unbelievable gift it was, and emphatically demonstrated in word and deed what it was intended to do for our lives. May you unleash and experience the freedom that Jesus taught, and may you truly take his “yoke” upon you!
Discussion Questions
- What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?
- As we learned about the rabbis in connection with the Sabbath, it’s easy for religious people, in their zeal to be obedient to God, to make following God very legalistic. Where do you see this playing out in our world today (in general)? Where do you see this, if anywhere, being played out in connection to the Sabbath?
- How have you traditionally viewed the Sabbath – as more of a restriction or a gift?
- Were you aware of how intentional Jesus was in performing healings on the Sabbath? Why do you think these times were so explosive for Jesus, the crowds, and the religious leaders?
- How does knowing that the Sabbath was intended to bring you freedom confirm or change the perspective you’ve had on Sabbath?
- In what ways do you need “to take Jesus’ yoke upon you” and experience the freedom and “rest for your souls” he speaks of in this teaching?
- How can you begin walking out the truths of this teaching this week?
For Further Study
- The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan
- The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel
- Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann
- Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn
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Love this series. Would love to know your insight of what sabbath looks like for a stay at home mom whose full time work is managing the home. Is this role even considered work to be ceased from? Looking forward to the next episodes!
Brad,
I bless God for His teaching thru you. It seems like we tend to have a certain “franticness” in the way we go thru life and if we learn Jesus yoke, there is rest. God has it all figured out, I don’t have to. I need to learn to trust and do things His way. Much easier said than done, but I want to and then live it so others can see His way too.
Shalom, Carl
What a beautiful way to look at the Sabbath. This was a whole new concept for me about how much Jesus desires this for us….rest for our souls. Love this teaching. Thank you.
I have always struggled with the sabbath as I always have thought I could not give myself permission to not work. I read Abraham Heschels book a while ago and it got me thinking. Then went on your Turkey trip and you gave us a sabbath day and I didn’t want it, I wanted to learn and “do”. That was an amazing day and changed my life view of the sabbath. Now I put a sabbath day in my week and it is my favorite day. As you would say, Bless God”.
Bless God, indeed, Sue 🙂 And I’ll see you and your hubby here real soon.
Wait Brad, all along I have been thinking that since I have Jesus in my heart, I have the Lord of the sabbath who then can direct me on how to rest. This may not be the day I go to church. I God actually saying that I take a specific day and make it a day of rest? Or is He saying I operate from of rest in knowing that He has my back and is in control and therefore I can rest when need be without guilt that everything will fall apart?
Great questions, Peninah. I believe both are true. There’s something really powerful about having a habit (a specific day of rest – or as best we can to make it consistent) that we enter into. I also think it’s really important to not make it legalistic. I’ll talk more in the final episode in this series about that. Additionally, we should live life trusting that God holds everything together, and it doesn’t wig us out when we take a break.
Preach it Brad! Love your intensity – hit it on the head, knocked it out of the park, or nailed a “3” from downtown – choose your analogy ????????. I am thoroughly enjoying and appreciating your teaching on this and other Walking the Text episodes!
Haha! Really appreciate, Cheri!
Brad, I just completed listening and watching all (54) of your Walking The Text teaching series! I feel so inspired, blessed and energized to share with others your messages! Thanks be to God for all your teachings and insights! May the Peace of the Lord continue to fill your soul and our Sabbaths!
Wow, Kay, that is so encouraging to hear! I bless God you’re finding the episodes to be so helpful, and I’m grateful for your kind words.
The direct quote back to Jeremiah 6:16 “you will find rest for your soul,” and then Jesus quotes it in Matthew really hit me. The fact we responded, “we will not walk in it,” broke my heart. Because even after Jesus we still don’t. Come on brothers and sisters. Let’s have rest for our souls. Let’s enjoy this gift that is most valuable. I’m not great with words but wow, thank you for this teaching Brad.