Lord of the Sabbath - Mark 2: 23 - 3:6

Download Devotional (PDF)

Scripture Reading

Mark 2: 23 - 3:6 (ESV)

23 One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: 26 how he entered the house of God, in the time of[a] Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” 27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

A Man with a Withered Hand

3 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. 2 And they watched Jesus,[b] to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” 4 And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5 And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

Reflection:

The Pharisees turned the Sabbath into a burden; Jesus restored it as a blessing. They valued rules; He valued people. In this passage, Jesus reveals Himself as the Lord of the Sabbath—the One who cares more about hearts than rituals.

Worship ministry can subtly drift into performance and policy over people and presence. When our systems, preferences, or traditions become more important than the people we’re serving, we mirror the Pharisees instead of Jesus.

Jesus shows that doing good, showing mercy, and restoring life are always “in bounds” for God’s people—especially on days of worship.

Personal Questions:

1. Where have I allowed rules, routines, or expectations to overshadow love and mercy?
2. Do I ever value a flawless service more than the spiritual health of the people on my team?
3. How can I better experience Jesus as my rest, not just my assignment?

Team Questions:

1. What are some signs that our worship ministry is becoming more about structure than people?
2. How can we protect our team from burnout while still serving with excellence?
3. What would it look like to truly “rest in Jesus” as we lead worship?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Sabbath and the rest my soul needs. Help me not to turn worship into a burden of performance or pressure. Teach me to love people more than plans and to make space for Your mercy every time we gather. Amen.