7 Times Jesus Claimed to Be Godනියැදිය

Jesus’ followers eat some grain as they pass a field. Jesus’ opponents view this as breaking the Sabbath. Jesus appeals to two things: first, the law should not be used to keep people in need and hunger, and second, there are people who can work on the Sabbath.

The Bread of the Presence was eaten every Sabbath by the priests as a reminder of God’s provision for and presence with Israel. It wasn’t for David and his followers, and yet when they were hungry, they were given it. God’s laws were given to Israel for their benefit, not to oppress them. The bread was a symbol of God’s provision and love. How could the priests celebrate that meal while David fled for his life with nothing to eat? It would have undermined the very reason for the meal.

Likewise, the Sabbath was given to Israel so that they would have refreshment. Pharaoh did not give them rest, but the Lord God does.

Second, Jesus argues that some people can work on the Sabbath: the priests. The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship, which was offered in the Temple. Jesus says that something greater than the Temple is here. The Temple is the place where God dwells on earth. What’s greater than that, apart from God? Jesus’ followers are allowed to ‘work’ on the Sabbath because Jesus is the ‘Lord of the Sabbath’. The Sabbath is the day set apart to worship God. Who is Lord of the Sabbath, apart from God?

In another Sabbath conflict, Jesus heals a man, which His opponents consider to be work. Jesus doesn’t disagree but says ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.’ His opponents resolve to kill Him for making himself equal to God. The way Jesus explains His actions on the Sabbath is a claim to be God and was understood that way by those who heard Him.

God gives us His commands to create space in our lives for rest and worship. This can be stifled out by distraction, business, or by turning that space into a burden through trying to achieve perfection in our own strength. How can you protect yourself from these dangers so that you can fully enjoy God and find refreshment in Him?