Let's Begin with Love - Practical Steps to Live Like Jesus

Historical Context

The Sabbath was a sacred day of rest instituted by God for the Jewish people, a day to cease from work and honor God. It was meant to be a blessing and a time for restoration. However, over time, religious leaders expanded the simple commandment into a complex set of over 600 rules. The Pharisees, as religious leaders, were committed to maintaining the purity of Jewish law, and they created additional rules to ensure that the Sabbath was strictly observed. This strict adherence often led to a legalistic approach, overshadowing the day's intended purpose.

Mark 2:23-3:6 (ESV)

"One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees were saying to him, 'Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?' 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: how he entered the house of God, in the time of 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?' And he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.'"



"Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, 'Come here.' 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. 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. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him."

Jesus' Authority

When Jesus declared, "The Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath," He was asserting His divine authority, challenging the Pharisees' interpretation of the law. This statement highlighted His unique role in God's plan and His authority to interpret and fulfill the law. By healing on the Sabbath and prioritizing compassion over strict adherence to rules, Jesus demonstrated that the law was meant to serve humanity and promote well-being, not to impose unnecessary burdens.

Lessons from the Pharisees

Pastor Joe lays the foundation for his message by reminding us of the Ten Commandments, those divinely ordained principles given to Moses. These commandments are elegantly divided: the first four address our relationship with God, while the latter six pertain to our interactions with one another. He emphasized that these straightforward yet profound directives were designed to foster a life of righteousness and harmony among God's people.

The Ten Commandments:

1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
    

Religious leaders expanded these ten foundational laws into a complex web of over 600 rules, leading to a burdensome legalism. The Pharisees became notorious for their strict adherence to these rules and their habit of finding fault in others.

Contemporary Applications

The scripture passage from Mark 2:23-3:6 presents a powerful example of Jesus' confrontations with the Pharisees over Sabbath observance. As Jesus and his disciples walked through grainfields on the Sabbath, the disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees quickly accused them of breaking the Sabbath law. Jesus, in response, pointed them to the example of David, who ate the sacred bread in a time of need, declaring, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."

On another Sabbath, Jesus entered a synagogue and encountered a man with a withered hand. Aware that his critics were watching to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, Jesus called the man forward and posed a penetrating question: "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" The Pharisees' silence, and Jesus' subsequent act of healing, underscored the absurdity of valuing legalistic rules over compassionate action.

Practical Steps for Believers

Drawing parallels between the Pharisees' legalism and today's societal issues, Pastor Joe highlights how easily we can become similarly trapped. He observed how political divisions, economic challenges, and social issues often lead to a hardening of hearts, much like the Pharisees. Our focus on rigid viewpoints can eclipse the central Christian principle of love and empathy.

Reflecting on current events, he discussed the political turmoil surrounding high-profile court cases and the widespread divisive talk. He linked these contemporary issues to the sermon’s theme, urging us to consistently ask, "What would Jesus do?" By evaluating today's challenges through the lens of Jesus' teachings, we can better appreciate the necessity of prioritizing love and compassion, thereby rising above societal divisiveness and fostering a more harmonious community.

The message offers clear, practical applications: we must place helping others and showing kindness at the forefront, even if it means setting aside traditional norms. We are encouraged to follow Jesus' example by being ever ready to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s assisting a neighbor in need or extending compassion to a stranger, these acts reflect the true essence of Jesus' teachings.

Moreover, the significance of maintaining a compassionate attitude in our daily interactions is emphasized. By consistently asking ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" we ensure that our actions are infused with love and empathy. These practical steps remind us that love and kindness should be the guiding principles of our lives, transcending societal expectations. This approach not only benefits those around us but also enriches our own lives by fostering a sense of purpose and connection.

Reflecting on the Message: Let’s Begin with Love

In conclusion, Pastor Joe's sermon, "Let's Begin with Love," calls us to reevaluate our priorities and actions through the lens of compassion and kindness. By emulating Jesus' example and focusing on love, we can navigate the complexities of modern life and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As we face today's many challenges, let us remember to begin with love in all that we do, just as Jesus did.

Start with love.