You might’ve heard Jesus referred to as “the Sabbath” and wondered, “What does that even mean?” This isn’t just religious jargon—it’s a profound concept rooted in the Bible. Let’s break it down together, diving into the rich tapestry of Scripture and understanding why Jesus is called the Sabbath.
Understanding the Sabbath
Before we jump into why Jesus is called the Sabbath, we need to understand what the Sabbath itself means.
The Sabbath in the Old Testament
The Sabbath is a day of rest. In the Old Testament, it’s the seventh day of the week, a day God set aside after creating the world in six days. Genesis 2:2-3 says, “By the seventh day, God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.”
For the Israelites, the Sabbath wasn’t just a day off. It was a sign of their covenant with God, a time to cease from labor and remember their Creator. The Fourth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:8-10, instructs, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”
The Purpose of the Sabbath
The Sabbath was meant for rest, reflection, and renewal. It provided physical rest from the week’s toil and a spiritual pause to reconnect with God. It reminded the Israelites of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). Essentially, the Sabbath was about trust—trusting God to provide while they rested.
Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Sabbath
Now, how does Jesus fit into this picture? Why do Christians often refer to Him as the Sabbath?
Jesus’ Teachings on the Sabbath
Jesus had a lot to say about the Sabbath. He often clashed with the religious leaders of His time over how the Sabbath should be observed. In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Here, Jesus is asserting His authority over the Sabbath, indicating that He is its ultimate fulfillment.
Jesus as the Source of True Rest
The New Testament reveals that Jesus embodies the rest and peace that the Sabbath symbolizes. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Here, Jesus promises rest—not just physical rest but deep, soul-level rest. He offers a release from the burdens of sin and the heavy yoke of trying to earn God’s favor through works. This invitation aligns perfectly with the essence of the Sabbath—a time to rest and renew our trust in God’s provision.
Jesus’ Sacrifice and Our Spiritual Rest
The book of Hebrews delves deeper into this idea. Hebrews 4:9-10 explains, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.” Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provides a rest that goes beyond a day of the week. It’s a rest that permeates every aspect of life, offering peace with God through faith in Christ.
The Sabbath and the New Covenant
In the New Testament, the early Christians began to see Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament Sabbath.
A Shift in Perspective
For early Christians, every day became an opportunity to experience the rest and renewal that Jesus offers. Paul writes in Colossians 2:16-17, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
Paul’s point is that the Sabbath and other rituals were shadows pointing to the reality found in Jesus. Once the reality (Jesus) is here, the shadow (the ritual) takes a backseat. This doesn’t mean the Sabbath loses its value but rather finds its true meaning in Jesus.
Living in Jesus’ Rest
Living in Jesus’ rest means embracing His completed work on the cross and ceasing from trying to earn salvation through our efforts. It’s about trusting in His grace and experiencing the peace that comes from a relationship with Him.
Every day can be a “Sabbath” when we live in this rest. We’re invited to walk in the freedom and rest that Jesus provides, knowing that our salvation and worth are secure in Him.
Practical Implications for Today
Understanding Jesus as the Sabbath has profound implications for how we live our daily lives.
Finding Daily Rest in Jesus
- Spiritual Renewal: Regularly take time to connect with Jesus, through prayer, reading the Bible, or quiet reflection. It’s a way to experience His rest in the midst of life’s demands.
- Trust Over Worry: Let go of the constant striving and trust in Jesus’ provision. Whether it’s financial stress, work pressure, or personal struggles, remember Jesus’ invitation to find rest in Him.
- Peace in Identity: Embrace your identity in Christ, not in your achievements or societal expectations. Jesus’ rest means we’re valued and loved, not because of what we do, but because of who we are in Him.
Observing the Sabbath in a New Light
For some, observing a weekly Sabbath can still be a meaningful practice. It’s an opportunity to set aside time to rest and reflect, aligning with God’s rhythm for creation.
- Set Boundaries: Consider setting aside a day or part of a day each week to rest from your usual work and focus on spiritual and personal renewal.
- Family and Community Time: Use this time to strengthen relationships with family and friends, sharing in the rest and joy that Jesus provides.
- Acts of Kindness: Engage in activities that reflect Jesus’ love and grace, whether through service or simply spending quality time with loved ones.
Conclusion
Jesus being called the Sabbath isn’t just a title—it’s an invitation to experience a profound and lasting rest. It’s about ceasing from our own efforts and trusting in His finished work. As you reflect on this, remember that Jesus invites you into His rest every day, offering peace, renewal, and a deep connection with God. Embrace this gift, and let it transform how you live and find rest in Him.
FAQs: Why is Jesus Called the Sabbath?
1. What does it mean that Jesus is called the Sabbath?
Jesus being called the Sabbath means that He embodies the true rest and peace that the Sabbath day symbolizes in the Bible. Just as the Sabbath was a time for physical and spiritual rest, Jesus offers rest for our souls through His grace and salvation.
2. How does Jesus fulfill the concept of the Sabbath?
Jesus fulfills the concept of the Sabbath by providing a deeper, spiritual rest. Through His teachings, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers rest from the burdens of sin and the need to earn God’s favor through works. He becomes our ultimate source of peace and renewal.
3. What did Jesus say about the Sabbath?
Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28). This statement emphasizes that the Sabbath is meant to benefit people, and Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, has the authority to redefine its purpose in Himself.
4. How did the early Christians view the Sabbath?
The early Christians saw Jesus as the fulfillment of the Sabbath. They understood that the rituals and laws of the Sabbath were shadows pointing to the reality found in Christ. They began to view every day as an opportunity to experience the rest and renewal that Jesus offers.
5. What is the significance of Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30?
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. This invitation is significant because it extends the Sabbath’s promise of rest to a spiritual level. Jesus offers a rest that goes beyond physical cessation from work—it’s a rest for our souls.
6. How can I find rest in Jesus today?
You can find rest in Jesus by:
- Connecting with Him: Spend time in prayer, read the Bible, and reflect on His teachings.
- Trusting in His provision: Let go of constant striving and trust Jesus to meet your needs.
- Embracing your identity in Him: Understand that your worth is found in who you are in Christ, not in your achievements.
7. Do Christians still need to observe the Sabbath?
Observing the Sabbath as a specific day of rest can be meaningful, but it’s not a requirement for salvation. The key is to embrace the rest and peace that Jesus provides every day. Some Christians choose to observe a weekly Sabbath as a way to honor this rest and reconnect with God.
8. How can I incorporate the Sabbath into my weekly routine?
You can incorporate the Sabbath into your routine by:
- Setting aside time: Dedicate a specific day or part of a day each week to rest and focus on spiritual renewal.
- Spending time with loved ones: Use this time to build relationships with family and friends.
- Engaging in acts of kindness: Reflect Jesus’ love through service and quality time with others.
9. What does Hebrews 4:9-10 say about the Sabbath rest?
Hebrews 4:9-10 states, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.” This passage emphasizes that through faith in Jesus, believers enter into a rest that transcends a weekly observance and signifies a permanent peace with God.
10. Why is it important to understand Jesus as the Sabbath?
Understanding Jesus as the Sabbath is important because it deepens our appreciation of His role in our spiritual lives. It helps us recognize that true rest and peace come from trusting in His completed work on the cross and not from our own efforts. This understanding can transform how we live and experience rest in our daily lives.
If you have more questions or want to dive deeper into this topic, feel free to ask in the comments below or reach out directly!
