Bible Pathways 10/05/2003
October 5
Read Matthew 12
In Today's Reading:
Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath; controversy with Pharisees; unpardonable sin; Christ's death and resurrection foretold; His true kin
Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees who criticized His disciples, saying: Behold, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath (rest) day (Matthew 12:2). Jesus responded: I say to you, That in this place is One greater than the Temple. . . . For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day (12:6-8). The Old Testament worship system foreshadowed the life and redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ as well as His Church. Israel had been commanded to keep the last day of the week, the Sabbath, as a day of rest to commemorate God's work of creation in six days (Exodus 20:9-11).
Most Christians assemble to worship the Lord Jesus Christ on the first day of the week because when we were dead in sins, (God) has quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace you are saved). . . . For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:5,10). Jesus rose from the grave on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9); And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). In this way, we honor Him as Lord of our lives by putting Him first in every week. The Sabbath day of rest has its counterpart in the New Covenant that in all things He might have the preeminence (first place). . . . Let no man therefore judge you in meat (food), or in drink, or in respect of a holyday (a festival), or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come (Colossians 1:18; 2:16-17).
The Sabbath, as well as all Jewish worship days, which were also Sabbaths or holy convocations, were a shadow of things to come. The early Church recognized this and, in commemoration of Christ's resurrection, upon the first day of the week . . . the disciples came together to break bread (Acts 20:7). A few years later, the Apostle Paul was led to write: Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings (collections) when I come (I Corinthians 16:2).
The Passover, commemorating Israel's freedom from Egyptian bondage, was replaced at Christ's final Passover, when He instituted the Lord's Supper. As Jesus and the apostles were eating the Passover meal, Jesus took bread, and blessed (gave thanks to God for) it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink . . . all of it; For this is My blood of the New Testament (Covenant), which is shed for many for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (Matthew 26:26-28).
Word Studies:
12:1 corn = grainfields; 12:5 profane = violate or break the law; 12:29 spoil his goods = take away his possessions; 12:44 garnished = put in order.
Cross References:
For Matthew 12:7: See Hosea 6:6. Matthew 12:18-21: See Isaiah 42:1-4. Matthew 12:40: See Jonah 1:17.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Bible Pathway Faith Promise Supporters · Government Officials: Rep. Virginia Brown-Waite (FL), Rep. Benjamin Cardin (MD), and Rep. Dennis Rehberg (MO) · Country: Tibet (population unknown) (province of China) in eastern Asia · Major language: Tibetan · The Chinese government is still committed to promoting atheism, while at the same time, officially permitting Lamaism (a form of Buddhism) · No religious statistics are available, but at one time all were Lamaists · Lamaism was all but exterminated by Chinese invaders in the 1950s, but it is now permitted under strict control · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for unity of spirit with other believers (I Peter 3:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 5:10
