Many Christians wonder if it’s okay to work or travel on the Sabbath, especially with the Old Testament command to rest on the seventh day. The article explains that while the Sabbath was a strict rule under the Law of Moses, Jesus shifted the focus from legalism to purpose. He reminded us that the Sabbath was made for our benefit, not as a burden (Mark 2:27), and showed through His own actions that doing good—even working to help others—was fully in line with God’s heart.
For Christians today, we’re not under the Old Covenant Sabbath laws. Instead, we’re called to rest in Christ, not in a specific day (Hebrews 4:9–10). That means working or traveling on the Sabbath isn’t sinful, but regularly setting aside time for rest, worship, and spiritual renewal is still vital. Keep reading to get the full picture of what Jesus taught and how you can honor God in your time without falling into guilt or rigid rules.
If you’re wondering whether Christians can work or travel on the Sabbath, you’re not alone. It’s a question that comes up often, especially for believers who want to honor God without falling into legalism. The answer isn’t just a yes or no—it depends on your understanding of Scripture, especially what Jesus taught.
Let’s break it down clearly, using Jesus’ own words, the context of the Old Testament Sabbath, and what that means for Christians today.
1. What Is the Sabbath?
The Sabbath is a day of rest established by God in the Old Testament. It’s first mentioned in Genesis 2:2-3, where God rested on the seventh day after creating the world.
“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.” (Genesis 2:2–3, NIV)
Later, in the Ten Commandments, God commands the Israelites to observe the Sabbath:
“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. On it you shall not do any work…” (Exodus 20:8–10)
Key points about the Old Testament Sabbath:
- It was on the seventh day (Saturday).
- It was a sign between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13).
- No work was to be done (Exodus 35:2).
- Even travel was restricted (Exodus 16:29).
So, under the Law of Moses, working or traveling on the Sabbath was forbidden. But here’s where it gets interesting for Christians.
2. What Did Jesus Teach About the Sabbath?
Jesus completely changed the conversation around the Sabbath. He never broke God’s law, but He did challenge the rigid traditions the Pharisees had added to it.
A few things Jesus made clear:
A. The Sabbath Was Made for Man
“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)
Jesus taught that the Sabbath wasn’t meant to be a burden. It was a gift from God—a time to rest, reset, and worship. The Pharisees had turned it into a list of rules.
B. Doing Good on the Sabbath Is Lawful
“It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:12)
When Jesus healed a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath, the Pharisees were furious. But Jesus asked, “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?” (Matthew 12:11)
His point? Mercy matters more than rules. Compassion isn’t restricted by the calendar.
C. Jesus Worked on the Sabbath
Jesus often healed people on the Sabbath (see Luke 13:10–17, John 5:1–18). His critics saw it as “work,” but Jesus called it the work of God.
3. Are Christians Still Required to Keep the Sabbath?
This is where some Christians disagree. But the New Testament gives us clear direction.
A. The Law Was Fulfilled in Christ
Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17), and Paul explains 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.”
We’re not under the Old Testament Sabbath law. The Sabbath was a shadow pointing to Jesus—our ultimate rest.
B. Christians Worship on Sunday
Most Christians gather on Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:1). This became known as “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10).
The early church met on Sundays (Acts 20:7), not because they were breaking the Sabbath, but because Jesus’ resurrection marked the start of the new covenant.
4. Can You Work on the Sabbath as a Christian?
Let’s get practical. If you’re a follower of Jesus, are you allowed to work on the Sabbath?
The Short Answer: Yes, but with wisdom.
Here’s why:
- You’re not under the Law of Moses (Romans 6:14).
- Jesus never condemned necessary work (like caring for the sick or rescuing animals).
- Paul taught Christian freedom: “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” (Romans 14:5)
So, if you have to work on Saturday or Sunday, you’re not sinning. But don’t miss the bigger point—you still need rest.
Consider These Guidelines:
- Take regular rest – not just physically, but spiritually.
- Set aside time for worship – whether it’s Sunday or another day.
- Avoid unnecessary busyness – give God space to speak into your life.
- Don’t judge others – some Christians keep a Sabbath day; others don’t. Romans 14 says that’s between them and God.
5. Can You Travel on the Sabbath?
Again, under the Old Covenant, travel on the Sabbath was limited (Exodus 16:29). But in the New Testament, there’s no restriction on travel.
Jesus Himself traveled, walked, and taught on the Sabbath. His disciples also traveled on the Sabbath to spread the Gospel (Acts 13:14).
So, yes—Christians can travel on the Sabbath. There’s no law preventing it. The heart of the matter is whether you’re honoring God in your life.
6. So What Should You Do?
If you’re trying to follow Jesus, focus on these principles instead of rules:
1. Honor God with your time.
Make space for rest, prayer, Scripture, and worship—whatever your schedule.
2. Avoid legalism.
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for turning the Sabbath into a burden. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking rest makes you holy. Christ makes you holy.
3. Love others.
Use your time, even on rest days, to serve and bless people. That’s what Jesus did.
4. Rest in Christ, not a day.
Hebrews 4:9–10 says:
“There remains 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.”
The true Sabbath is found in trusting Jesus, not keeping a schedule.
Conclusion: It’s About the Heart, Not the Calendar
Can Christians work or travel on the Sabbath? Yes. Jesus fulfilled the law and redefined the Sabbath as a gift, not a rulebook.
Instead of asking, “Can I work?” ask, “Am I resting in Jesus?” Instead of, “Can I travel?” ask, “Am I honoring God in how I use my time?”
Remember, the Sabbath was made for you—not the other way around. Use it wisely.
FAQs: Can Christians Work or Travel on the Sabbath? What Jesus Taught
1. Can Christians work on the Sabbath?
Yes. Christians are not bound by the Old Testament Sabbath laws. Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17), and the New Testament emphasizes freedom in Christ. Work isn’t sinful on the Sabbath, but regular rest is still wise and spiritually healthy.
2. Is traveling on the Sabbath a sin for Christians?
No. In the Old Covenant, travel was restricted, but Jesus and His disciples traveled on the Sabbath. There’s no New Testament command against traveling on the Sabbath for Christians.
3. Did Jesus work on the Sabbath?
Yes, Jesus healed, taught, and served on the Sabbath. He prioritized mercy and doing good over rigid rule-keeping (Matthew 12:12, John 5:17).
4. What did Jesus say about the Sabbath?
Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). He taught that the Sabbath is a gift, not a burden, and that doing good on the Sabbath is lawful.
5. Do Christians need to keep the Sabbath?
Christians are not required to keep the Sabbath as Israel did under the Law. Paul taught not to judge anyone over Sabbath observance (Colossians 2:16). We are called to find our rest in Christ.
6. What day is the Sabbath for Christians?
There’s no mandated day for Christians to observe the Sabbath. Most gather on Sunday (the Lord’s Day) to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, but Romans 14:5 says each person should be convinced in their own mind.
7. Is it wrong to do chores or errands on the Sabbath?
No. Christians aren’t under Sabbath law. While rest is valuable, doing necessary tasks isn’t sinful. The key is balancing work with spiritual and physical renewal.
8. Is Sabbath-keeping still relevant for Christians?
Yes, but not in a legalistic way. The principle of rest remains relevant. Taking time to pause, worship, and focus on God helps realign your life—even if it’s not on Saturday or Sunday.
9. How do I honor the Sabbath as a Christian?
Honor the Sabbath by setting aside regular time for God, rest, worship, and relationships. It’s less about a specific day and more about how you intentionally connect with God and care for your soul.
10. What is the “Sabbath rest” in Hebrews 4?
Hebrews 4 speaks of a spiritual rest found in Christ. It’s a deeper rest—trusting God fully and ceasing from self-reliance. It’s the ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath principle.
