What Jesus Did! 'Lord!' — Matthew 12:8

Monday, June 2, 2025

[Talking to the Pharisees after they condemned his disciples for gathering and eating grain on the Sabbath, Jesus continued:] "For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!"

Key Thought

For the Jewish people, there was not more important symbol of identity than the Sabbath. Rules, laws, traditions, and respect grew up around the original law concerning the Sabbath and encrusted it with layers of a combination of inconsequential, restrictive, and harmful traditions. So when Jesus took on his opponents over the issue of the Sabbath, we shouldn't be surprised by their bitter opposition and hostile criticism. As Jewish self-identity became fused to the Sabbath, the traditions and attachments to it became more important for the religious aristocracy than the people who celebrated Sabbath or even than the reasons God provided a rest for his people and demanded that the Sabbath be honored. Like a bolt of thunder, Jesus' simple words, "For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath," raised their confrontation and hatred of him to a fevered pitch. He drove them to the point of decision. He left them no option but to believe or scheme to get rid of him. They chose the latter. What do we choose? Are we ready to let him define the heart and hope of our worship?

Today's Prayer

Holy God, I thank you so much for sending Jesus. I want him to be Lord of every area of my life, especially my understanding of your desire for worship and community. As I continue to read and learn from him, inform my heart through your Spirit to better know him and be conformed into his likeness. You sacrificed so much; help me to hold back nothing as I seek to live for him. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 4:19-26
  • James 1:27
  • Romans 12:1-2

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 12:8 NLT — [Talking to the Pharisees after they condemned his disciples for gathering and eating grain on the Sabbath, Jesus continued:] "For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, June 2, 2025

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.