Miracles and Mysteries: Matthew 8-13Sample

What does it mean to truly rest in God?

The Pharisees accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking the Sabbath, yet Jesus responds by pointing to God’s purposes for the Sabbath in the Old Testament. King David ate the holy bread (1 Samuel 21:6), and the priests worked on the Sabbath in temple service. The glory of God is revealed as Jesus declares something greater than the temple is here—Himself.

The Sabbath was always meant to point to deeper rest, fulfilled in Jesus. He is the true Lord of the Sabbath, offering freedom from legalism and burdensome religion. He quotes Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”—revealing that God is more concerned with transformed hearts than outward ritual.

Today, ponder this: Are you resting in Christ, or are you just trying to keep religious rules?