© 2000 "Yes Lord" Ministries
The Sabbath. What do you think of when you think about the Sabbath? Do you think about the Jewish Sabbath, the Shabbat, which begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday? Or, do you think of Sunday, the first day of the week, the Lord's day, with its various Christian worship services or Catholic mass? Or, do you think "Oh wonderful, a day to sleep in, to shop, do the laundry, go to a football or baseball game or play golf, and to just generally have fun"?
Well, in this lesson, we will be looking at the Sabbath, the Jewish Shabbat, as it is described and explained in Leviticus and elsewhere in the Old Testament. We will discover when it was instituted and why. We will discover its purpose. And, we will examine the controversy as to whether Christians should observe the Jewish Shabbat or whether they should worship on Sunday, the First Day of the Week, the Lord's Day.
Indeed, there is much that we can learn about worship and the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) which is applicable for us today. So, this is going to be a great lesson and one you definitely do not want to miss.
As we begin, you, no doubt, recall that the main subject (theme) of Leviticus is Holiness and the purpose of this book is to teach God's people -- all of God's people, whether Jew or Gentile (non-Jew), about Holiness. Specifically, this book is teaching that God is Holy and that all who worship a Holy God must be Holy. And, Leviticus also is teaching God's people how to walk in Holiness with and before their Holy God.
Indeed this need for Holiness was clearly summarized, as we learned in our previous lesson, in the closing verses of Chapter 22. Let's read them again. (I will print them here for you or you may use your Bible) and we will continue reading into Chapter 23 where we are introduced to the subject of this Lesson and will discover some of God's instructions to His people, the Jewish Nation, concerning the Sabbath (Shabbat).
Leviticus 22:31 - 23:3
22:31. "Keep my commands and follow them. I am the LORD. 32. Do not profane my holy name. I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the LORD, who makes you holy 33. and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD."
23:1. The LORD said to Moses,
2. "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: `These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. 3. "`There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.
Hmmmmm. Now, re-read those verses, and, as you read them, put a GREEN CIRCLE around every occurrence of the word, holy. Also put a YELLOW CIRCLE (or color and symbol of your choice) around or highlight every occurrence of the word, sabbath.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Pause while you do this assignment <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Finished? Great! And, no doubt you noticed that the Israelites were told in 23:2 about God's appointed feasts and you are wondering what these appointed feasts are and if the sabbath (Shabbat) is one of them?
And, yes, the Sabbath (called Shabbat by the Jews) is one of the 8 appointed feasts mentioned in Chapter 23 of Leviticus.
In our next lesson, Lesson 15 in this series, we will learn about the other 7 Appointed Feasts. And you are going to be thrilled and astounded at what you learn when we study those 7 Annual Feasts.
But, since the Sabbath (Shabbat) is a weekly appointed feast and since there are so many truths and principles concerning the Jewish Sabbath, which directly apply and relate to us today, we are going to spend this entire lesson on the Sabbath. So, with that "plan" in mind, let's begin.
And, as we begin our study of the SABBATH, let's review what we already know or have learned by reading those verses. And the best way to do that is to, you guessed it, answer the following questions.
Who gave these instructions concerning the Sabbath ? 23: 1 ________________
To whom are these specific instructions given ? 23:2 ______________________
How often is the Sabbath to be observed ? 23:3 ____________________
Is the Sabbath one of the appointed feasts of the Lord ? 23:2 _____________
Is the Sabbath a sacred assembly ? 23:2 ______________
Is there to be any work done on the Sabbath ? 23: 3 _______________
What are they do DO on the Sabbath ? 23:3 _____________
Hmmm. Now that is very interesting. They are to do no work, but are to rest! Wow! In fact, the word, Sabbath (Strongs # 7676 Shabbat) means "intermission", a "period of rest.".
But, you may be wondering if this is the only place in the Bible that the Sabbath (Shabbat) and specific commands concerning its observance are mentioned. And, of course, as you suspected, this is not the only place. God had already told them about the necessity of observing the Sabbath as a time of worship and rest. Also, in other places in the Old Testament, written after this time, even more information about the Sabbath is given. So, let's look at some of those other places now.
And, by the way, in case you are wondering, though I am sure you got them correct, the answers to that series of questions were: The LORD, to the Israelites (the Nation of Israel, the Jews), weekly (on the 7th day of each week), yes, yes, no, rest.
The Old Testament records a couple of other times, about a year before these instructions were given in Leviticus, when the Israelites were told about the Sabbath. Let's read these (either in your Bible or printed here for you). As you read these verses, as you have been doing, put a YELLOW CIRCLE around each occurrence of the word, Sabbath (or words used in place of that word to mean the same thing).
Exodus 20:8-11
8. "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10. but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy
Exodus 16: 13-31
13. That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. 15. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat. 16. This is what the LORD has commanded: `Each one is to gather as much as he needs. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.'" 17. The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. 18. And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. 19. Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning." 20. However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them. 21. Each morning everyone gathered as much as he needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. 22. On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much--two omers for each person--and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. 23. He said to them, "This is what the LORD commanded: `Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.'" 24. So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. 25. "Eat it today," Moses said, "because today is a Sabbath to the LORD. You will not find any of it on the ground today.
26. Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any." 27. Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. 28. Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? 29. Bear in mind that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out." 30. So the people rested on the seventh day. 31. The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.
Hmmmmm. Very interesting. And, I am sure you recognized the time frame of each of those two references to the Sabbath.
The Exodus 20 passage, you no doubt recall, was part of the TEN ____________________ , which had been given to them about a year prior to this time. And the Exodus 16 events took place shortly before that, while they were en route to Mt. Sinai, i.e. a few days before the 10 Commandments were given and shortly after their Exodus from Egypt. (Of course, you also recall that they were at Mt. Sinai when the TEN Commandments were given and that they were still at Mt. Sinai at the time that the instructions that are recorded in Leviticus 23, and the entire book of Leviticus, were given.)
So, they already "knew" about the Sabbath. But even those two references are not the only time they had ever known about the concept of a weekly day of "rest" and "intermission" and the need to set aside a special day each week to worship their God. Indeed they had known about this for a long long long time. When was that, you ask? When was the "first mention" of the concept of the Sabbath?
Well, to discover the "first mention" of the concept of the Sabbath, let's read (either in your Bible or printed here for you), the following passage, and, as you read this passage in Genesis, even though the actual word, Sabbath, is not given, there are two words, used together, which refer to the same thing. See if you can find those two words, plus any word (such as "it") used in place of those 2 words to mean the same thing as Sabbath. When you find them, put a YELLOW circle (or use whatever color and symbol you used to mark Sabbath previously) around each occurrence of those 2 words or words used in place of those words. Also, underline in yellow what you learn about this time of rest from labor and to worship God.
Genesis 2:1-3
1. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
2. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
3. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Great! You found the words. And I assume you circled the word group, seventh day, and the word, it, which was used a couple of times, as a synonym, in place of the words, seventh day.
And, by the way, even though the actual word, Sabbath, is not in our English translation of Genesis 2:1-3, you will be interested to know that the Hebrew word which is translated "rested" ("ceased" in KJV) in verses 2 and 3 is the origin of the word "Sabbath." Specifically, the word, "rested" (ceased) is Strongs # 7673 Shabath. So, even though the word, Sabbath, is not in our English versions of Genesis, still the concept is. Therefore, this is where God first introduced His plan for a weekly time of rest and cessation from all work. Wow!
Therefore, the concept of the Sabbath goes all the way back to the very beginning, to the time of the creation of the world! So, the idea of a Sabbath of rest was not first instituted when they were in the wilderness, in about 1490 BC, and receiving all the information recorded in Leviticus concerning how to live and how to worship their Holy God. Rather, the concept and teaching of the necessity of a special day of rest each week had been known since the beginning of the world! Astounding!
Obviously, then, a weekly Sabbath day of rest is VERY important to God. And He is very serious about it. This is not something to be taken lightly or to be ignored.
But, you ask, how "serious" is God about this keeping of the Sabbath? Does he really mean to not do ANY work? Does he really mean they are to ONLY REST !?!?!? Are there any places in the Old Testament where God gives His people, the Jews, more information about this?
Well, glad you asked. For, yes, there are several places in the Old Testament where God gives more details about this. Let's look at a few of these.
As you read the following passages, do the following:
1. circle every occurrence of the word, Sabbath, or words used to mean the same thing.
2. If there are any specific details or instructions concerning what they are to do or not do on the Sabbath, underline them in a color of your choice. (I used green for things they were to do and brown for things they were to not do.)
3. If you see any punishments for failure to obey God and to not "keep" the Sabbath Holy, underline in BLACK, the punishment or judgments that will happen as a result of their disobedience.
4. If you see any rewards or promises for obeying God and for Keeping the Sabbath correctly, underline them in a color of your choice (I used RED.)
Exodus 34:21
"Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.
Exodus 35:3
Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day."
Leviticus 26:2
"`Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD.
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
12. "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. 13. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14. but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. 15. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
Nehemiah 10:31 a
"When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. ...
Isaiah 56:2
Blessed is the man who does this, the man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil."
Isaiah 58:13-14
13. "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14. then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Nehemiah 13:15
In those days I saw men in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day.
Jeremiah 17:27
But if you do not obey me (God) to keep the Sabbath day holy by not carrying any load as you come through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle an unquenchable fire in the gates of Jerusalem that will consume her fortresses.'"
Ezekiel 20:13
"`Yet the people of Israel rebelled against me (God) in the desert. They did not follow my decrees but rejected my laws--although the man who obeys them will live by them--and they utterly desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy them in the desert.
Exekiel 22:8 & 15
8. You have despised my holy things and desecrated my Sabbaths. ...
15. I will disperse you among the nations and scatter you through the countries; and I will put an end to your uncleanness.
Wow! God is very specific and very serious about the observance of the Sabbath! In fact, God is so concerned that they obey Him and NOT do any work on the sabbath, that there is a DEATH PENALTY for those who disobey ! Surely not, you say! Yes, it is true!
Read the following verses, and, as you have done before, circle every occurrence of the word, Sabbath, or words used in place of that word. And, also, underline IN BLACK, what will happen to them IF they disobey God's commands concerning the Sabbath.
Exodus 31:14-15
14. "`Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people.
15. For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death.
Numbers 15:32-35
32. While the Israelites were in the desert, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. 33. Those who found him gathering wood brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly, 34. and they kept him in custody, because it was not clear what should be done to him. 35. Then the LORD said to Moses, "The man must die. The whole assembly must stone him outside the camp." 36. So the assembly took him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Wow! We have said it before and we will say it again, God is really serious! When He says something, He means it! If He tells us to do or not do something, we need to pay attention and obey! He is not making suggestions for our consideration; He is stating definite commands. Failure to obey is not met with a simple slap on the wrist or an ignoring of the situation. When God commands, He intends for His people to obey! And, disobedience results in punishment! Why? Because God is a HOLY God and a Holy God can not associate with anything that is unholy. We have seen this before in this Bible Study. And we are seeing it again. Wow!
So, since God has given very definite "do's" and "don'ts" concerning the observance of the Sabbath, it would be wise if we recall those demands and commands.
So, let's stop now and summarize what God told the people of the Nation Israel concerning the Sabbath. Specifically, let's recall what they were to do and not do on that very special day of REST which they were to observe every week. To do that, let's go back and review ALL of the Scriptures that we have read so far in this lesson, and list (in the chart provided below) the things that they are to do and to not do on the Sabbath. (I will begin the chart for you to show you how to do this assignment. If there is not enough room on the chart, use an extra sheet of paper to continue until your list is complete.)
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Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy ....
What is to be done on the Sabbath
Lev. 23: 3 Rest
Ex. 20:8 Keep the Sabbath Holy
What is to NOT be done on the Sabbath
Lev. 23: 3 Do not do any work
Ex. 20:10 Do not do any work
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Now, based on what you have discovered so far about the Sabbath, answer the following questions:
When was the concept of the Sabbath first introduced? (Be specific).
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When the concept of the Sabbath was first introduced (at the end of Creation week), there was no Jewish nation. So, does this mean that God desires for all mankind to observe a weekly day of rest? ____________ . Explain your answer.
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What is the purpose of the Sabbath?
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Why do you think God wants His people (indeed all people) to have a day of rest each week?
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What ultimately happens to people (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) if they don't have a day of rest each week?
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Are servants, animals, and the land also to observe the sabbath and to rest?
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Did God punish anyone in His Jewish Nation who did not obey His commands concerning the Sabbath and its observance?
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List some of the specific punishments or judgments that God caused or allowed to occur to His people who disregarded and disobeyed His laws concerning the Sabbath.
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Well, I see that you have finished. And that was a good review and rather thought provoking. And, it is by now VERY obvious that God really desires and expects people to not work but to rest and worship Him one day of each week!
But, you may be wondering about this "no work" command. And you are thinking, ? but what about Doctors and Nurses, does this mean there can be no emergency treatment, resussicutation, surgery? And what about helping a person in an accident? And what about....
And, yes, those are good and important questions. And, to find the answer, let's look in the New Testament and find out from the works, actions, and words of the Lord God Jesus Christ Himself what can be "done" on the Sabbath.
As you read the following scriptures, as you have done before, Circle every occurrence of the word, Sabbath, and its synonyms (words used in place of the word). Also, underline or highlight, in a color of your choice (I used BLUE), what Jesus did or said could be done on a Sabbath which is Lawful (allowed, ok).
Matthew 12: 8-13
8. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
9. Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10. and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" 11. He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12. How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." 13. Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.
John 7: 21-23
21. Jesus said to them, "I did one miracle, and you are all astonished. 22. Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a child on the Sabbath. 23. Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath?
John 9:14 14.
Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath.
Hmmmm. Very interesting. And Jesus has shown us some very important "exceptions" to the command to do no work on the Sabbath.
So, Based on what you have just read, what do the actions and words of Jesus, Who is, of course, God, tell us concerning what a person can and can not do on the Sabbath. Briefly, and in your own words, explain what is Lawful on the Sabbath and how or why this is different from playing golf or tennis or shopping or going to a sports activity or going out to eat at a restaurant or cutting the grass or painting the house or doing any of the innumerable other things that many people do today on the "day of rest."
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Yes, it is obvious that when God commands that the Sabbath is to be a day of rest and that no work is to be done, He is not telling people that they can't help people in need. He always desires that we be aware of the needs and distress of others and to always be ready to help them. But, helping a person in need is a far cry from doing things for fun and for continuing doing a daily job or project that can and should be done on the other 6 days which have been ordained for work.
The whole purpose of the God ordained day of rest is not to keep us from getting things done, but to give us a "time out", a period of rest, a time when we can slow down and get our lives back in focus, a time when we can fellowship with other Believers, a time when we can praise and worship God, a time to read and study His word, the Bible, a time to pray and to think about eternal things, a time to .... well, you get the idea.
So, the God ordained Day of Rest, (Sabbath / Shabbat) for the Jews or Sunday for most Christians, is intended and designed to help and not to harm. It is to be a time to rest from our labors, a time to be with our families, a time to be with God and to worship Him. Certainly, if you see a person in need, yes, help them. That is what Jesus did and would do. So, yes, doing works of good deeds on the Sabbath is lawful. But, this is not a day that is to be just like every other day. It is not a day to work at tasks that can and should be done on the other 6 days of the week.
The Sabbath day of rest of each week is a special gift from God. It is a day of rest that is intended and designed to help us be restored physically, emotionally, and spiritually. To neglect to take advantage of this gift of God is unwise and to our detriment. A word to the wise....
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Now, this would be a great place to end this lesson ...... Except....
EXCEPT... I can hear you asking .....But, what about Sunday??? Why do most Christians not observe the Jewish Sabbath? Why do most Christians believe that Sunday instead of Saturday is the day of rest??? Has the 4th Commandment been canceled? What's going on? What happened? Why????
Those are GREAT questions and you are not the first, nor the last, to ask them.
So, before we end this lesson, let's look at that. Let's see why Christians stopped worshipping on the Jewish Sabbath, the 7th day of the week, and began to worship on Sunday, the 1st day of the week, The Lord's Day.
Perhaps the best way to "figure this out" is to see what happened on the First Day of the Week. For, there are many important, key, and significant events that occurred on the First Day of the Week. When we consider these special events, we will better understand WHY there was a change in the observance by Christians (many of whom were Jews and all of whom were believers in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation) of the Day of Rest and Worship from the 7th to the 1st day of each week.
First we will look at several New Testament scriptures which tell us of significant events which occurred on the first day of the week. Then, we will look at several New Testament scriptures which give evidence to the fact that as early as in the time of the Apostles (in the First Century) Christians were worshipping on Sunday, the First Day of the Week.
As you read these scriptures, whenever you see the phrase "first day of the week" or any other words or phrases which are used as synonyms referring to that time, circle or underline or highlight that phrase or word in RED (or use a color or symbol of your choice). Also, underline what happened on that day, the first day of the week, Sunday. (I will do the first one for you as an example.)
Matthew 28:1-7
1. After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6. He is not here; He (Jesus) has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: `He (Jesus) has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
Matthew 28:8-11
8. So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." 11. While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.
Mark 16:1-6
1. When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. 2. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3. and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" 4. But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Luke 24:1-8
1. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3. but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6. He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7. `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" 8. Then they remembered his words.
John 20:1-18
1. Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" 3. So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7. as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10. Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11. but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12. and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13. They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14. At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15. "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." 16. Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). 17. Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, `I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" 18. Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.
John 20:19-29
19. On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20. After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21. Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22. And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." 24. Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26. A week later (think, if this was a week later, when was this?) his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27. Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28. Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29. Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Luke 24:13-35
13. Now that same day (this is the same day of Jesus' resurrection and appearance to Mary in the Garden, so this would be ???, yes, the First Day of the week!) two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16. but they were kept from recognizing him. 17. He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19. "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21. but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23. but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." 25. He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26. Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27. And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" 33. They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34. and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35. Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Acts 2:1-4 , 41 b
1. When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. ... ... 41. ... and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
By the way, in case you are not aware or have forgotten about Pentecost (we will learn more about this in the next lesson), it is verrrrrry interesting to notice that Pentecost was also on the First Day of the week. How is this you ask? Well, let's look at the timeline of events that had occurred. First, Christ's crucifixion and death was on Friday and the Sabbath began that evening. The First day of the week was the day of Christ's resurrection from the grave. You have just read many scriptures relating to that wonderful event. And, by the way, as we will also learn in the next lesson, the day of Christ's resurrection from the grave was not only the First Day of the Week, but it was also the day during Passover week of the Wave-sheath Offering of Firstfruits! (Now is that exciting or what!). Then 49 days later was the Feast of Weeks. This was also on a Sunday. And it was on the day of the Feast of Weeks that Pentecost occurred. Therefore, Pentecost was also on a Sunday, the First Day of the Week! Wow! Wow! Wow!
1 Corinthians 16
1. Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
Acts 20:7-12
7. On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave (Troas) the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" 11. Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
Revelation 1:9-15
9. I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10. On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11. which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea." 12. I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13. and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 17. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
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Ok, let's summarize what we have discovered concerning these significant events and when they happened and see if we can see a pattern which might give us a "reason" for the First Day of the Week being such a special day to Christians. And, perhaps this will enable us to "understand" why the Apostles and early Christians changed from worshipping on the Sabbath, the 7th day of the week to worshipping on the First Day of the Week, our Sunday, the "Lord's Day." So, based on what you have just read and marked, answer the following questions:
On what day of the week did Jesus Rise from the dead?
On what day of the week did Jesus appear to Mary Magdalene in the garden?
On what day of the week did Jesus appear to the other women with Mary in the garden?
On what day of the week did Jesus appear to the disciples in the room with the doors locked?
On what day of the week did Jesus appear to Thomas?
On what day of the week did Jesus appear to the two on the road to Emmaus?
On what day of the week did Jesus appear to Simon (Peter). (Hint: see Luke 24:34)
On what day of the week was the Holy Spirit given to the Believers while they were worshipping on the Day of Pentecost?
On what day of the week were the members of the Church of Corinth told to bring their offerings?
On what day of the week were the Christians of the Church of Troas meeting in their evening service to break bread (in fellowship and worship) and to hear Paul preach?
On what day of the week did John the Apostle receive his revelation from Christ, the revelation which he recorded in the Book of Revelation?
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Hmmmm, verrrrry interesting!!!! And we could go on with more examples of important events, in addition to these, which occurred on the First Day of the Week. But, I think you get the idea. And, of course, the bottom line is that MANY very significant things happened on Sunday, the First Day of the Week.
So, if you had been a Believer (Christian) in those days and had seen these significant things happen on the First day of the week, what would you have done in the way of recalling in remembrance of that Day? Would you have "switched" from worship on the Sabbath, the 7th day of the week to worshipping God (and remembering the astounding events) on Sunday, the First day of the week, the "Lord's Day"?
Apparently that IS what happened. Apparently the Christians, most of whom were Jews who had become believers in Jesus, continued to attend their Jewish Sabbath services but also had a special time of worship and fellowship with their fellow Believers in Christ on the First Day of the Week. Then, as more and more gentiles began to believe and trust in Jesus for their salvation, and as the non-believing Jews in the synagogues grew hostile to the presence of the believing Jews, Sunday, the First Day of the Week, became increasingly the main day of worship for all Christians, whether Jew or gentile.
Indeed, according to The Teaching of the Apostles, written in about 250-300 AD, it was the Apostles themselves who designated the First day of the Week as the day for Christians to worship their God.
So, now you know the "rest of the story". Indeed you figured out for yourself, WHY most Christians today worship on Sunday, the First Day of the Week, instead of on the Jewish Sabbath.
Now, one last thing, and then we will end this lesson.
We saw in our study of the Jewish Sabbath that there were very definite commands and guidelines concerning HOW the Sabbath was to be observed. And the main underlying things that they were to do and not do were:
The observers of the Jewish Sabbath were to ___________ and they were to NOT do any ___________.
Could they DO any deeds or acts of mercy and kindness? __________________
Were they to purchase things, sell things, gather wood or do any of the many other things that are intended to be and are normally done on the other 6 days? _________
What was the purpose of the Sabbath?
What kinds of things were to be done on the Sabbath?
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Correct. The Jewish Sabbath was to be a time when they were to rest and to not do any work. Yes, they could do acts of mercy and kindness but they were not to do the normal mundane things of living such as shopping, working, selling, etc. The purpose of the Sabbath was to have a time of rest and change from the normal "busyness" of the world. It was to be a time to rest, a time to do things with the family, and a time to worship and commune with their God.
Even though most Christians today do not worship on the Jewish Sabbath or in Jewish traditions, still they do have a special day of rest. It is Sunday, the First Day of the week, The "Lord's Day."
But, even though the DAY of worship and rest has changed, has the underlying purpose and reason for the day of rest changed? No, of course not. Just because we are in a time of grace does not mean that we are no longer expected to rest and worship our God.
Indeed, the Lord's Day, the First Day of the week should still be observed by ceasing (resting) from our normal self-serving lifestyles, from ceasing (resting) from our jobs and career activities, and to stop doing the things that are intended to be done on the other 6 days.
The Westminister Shorter Catechism 60 "How is the (Christian) Sabbath to be sanctified?" sums up very well the WAY Christians should observe the Christian Sabbath (the Lord's Day, the First Day of the Week). Though you might not be aware of this catechism, especially if you are in a church that is not "into" such things, still it would be profitable for you to know what this says. So, let me put it here for you to read and contemplate.
"The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the words of necessity and mercy."
And, if this is not enough, remember what we read earlier in this lesson in Isaiah concerning the way to observe the Sabbath. I will repeat it here for you:
Isaiah 58:13-14
13. "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14. then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Yes, this is how the Jews should observe their Sabbath and this is how Christians should observe the Christian Sabbath, the Lord's day, the First day of the week. If we would all obey God in this matter, what a difference it would make in our lives!
In closing, spend some time thinking about how you observe the Lord's day. Do you need to make any changes in your actions?
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Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright C 1973,1978,1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishers.
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This is for the Glory of God and NOT for the financial profit of man.
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