The contention over Sabbath observance continued, but this time the conflict took place during a worship service! This shows us what happens when love for tradition and procedure exceeds love for people who have great needs. There are five ingredients to this tense scene.

I. A Worship Service (v. 1)

II. A Withered Hand (vv. 1, 3)

III. A Watching Crowd (v. 2)

IV. A Weighty Command (v. 5)

V. A Wicked Plot (v. 6)

Learn Your Bible: How does this passage help us better understand the purpose of God’s commands?

Love Your Neighbor: Ask the Lord to reveal any beliefs you hold that may hinder how He desires to use you in the lives of others.

Live in Freedom: Surrender your desire to hide your weaknesses and flaws, and rest in Jesus’ unfailing compassion.

Was Jesus a lawbreaker? Did He violate the Sabbath? What exactly was the Sabbath designed for, and how should we observe it? This will be our focus this weekend and next. The conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders is heating up. Today we make four observations about the Sabbath.

I. The Sabbath Was a Benchmark (v. 23)

II. The Sabbath Became a Burden (vv. 23-24)

III. The Sabbath Needs a Balance (vv. 25-26)

IV. The Sabbath Should Be a Blessing (v. 27)

Learn Your Bible: Read Psalm 37 and meditate on verse 7 as you intentionally choose to “rest in the Lord” this week.

Love Your Neighbor: Ask God to soften the hearts of your unbelieving friends and family members, and invite them to join you at Freedom Celebration next Saturday.

Live in Freedom: Ask the Lord to reveal areas of your life in which you’re anxious and striving rather than resting in His plan and purpose for you.