A student and I, reading through Mark, recently came across Jesus’s encounter with this group of lawyers on a Sabbath. The Pharisees have their eyes on Jesus in the synagogue, and even follow him and his disciples out on the road to see if they can catch him “working” on this day of rest.
They get what they’re looking for. Jesus’s disciples “harvest” (pick) some heads of grain along the roadside and “thresh” them (remove the husks) before eating them.
The Pharisees object. They want to have a debate about the law—their favorite pastime. Had they, Jesus still would have won. The disciples were just eating lunch, not working. Their actions are expressly permitted in Leviticus 23:22 and Deuteronomy 23:24–25.
But Jesus doesn’t let the Pharisees set the terms of engagement. He has bigger plans than beating them at their own game. Instead of proving that he and his disciples are not Sabbath breakers, he brings up a story where David, the Lord’s anointed, does break the Mosaic law.
In flight from king Saul, who seeks his life, David asks the priest for provisions for him and his men. The only bread on hand is the bread of the Presence, which only the priests are allowed to eat. After confirming their ceremonial cleanness, the priest hands over the bread (1 Samuel 21:1–6). They all know this violates God’s law. But God’s law was made in order to serve his promise-bearers; not the other way around.
Jesus says to the Pharisees (and I paraphrase), “Remember that story? Well I’m like David, the Lord’s anointed, the promise bearer. And what is more, I’m the Lord who gave Moses the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8). I’m the Lord who rested on the seventh day, after the world was made” (Genesis 2:2). “The Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28).
Jesus wins the argument; the Pharisees go home quiet. But jealousy rather than worship consumes them as they conspire how to destroy him (Mark 3:6).
May we similarly encounter this Jesus, who is the bearer of God’s promises, and Lord over all! And may we respond in worship!
To that end, please pray with us for the students we are privileged to serve:
- That together we may encounter this Lord as we meet across Stanford’s campus—week in and week out—one-on-one, in Bible courses, and in larger gatherings;
- That God would grant a response of love and faith rather than anger and unbelief to revelation of him on this campus; and
- That God would strengthen and protect the students and staff involved in Christian Union Caritas and our families.
We are so grateful to God for your partnership through prayer!
Warmly,
Justin Woyak
Ministry Fellow
Christian Union Caritas
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates on how to pray for Christian Union's work, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
