Do Good on the Sabbath
Life Lessons from the Gospel of Mark
“Then He turned to His critics and asked, ‘Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?’ But they wouldn’t answer Him.” —Mark 3:4 (NLT)
Jesus challenges the rigid interpretations of the Sabbath held by the religious leaders of His day in Mark 3:4. For them, the Sabbath was a day of strict rest, and they often valued the letter of the law over its spirit.
Jesus, however, emphasized the purpose of the Sabbath—a time for doing good, for healing, and for saving life. His message is clear: The Sabbath isn’t a burden but a gift, meant to refresh and restore us and to be a time for showing compassion and mercy.
What Is the Purpose of the Sabbath?
The Sabbath was instituted by God as a day of rest, a time to cease from work and to reflect on His goodness. In Exodus 20:8-10, God commanded His people to observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. It was meant to be a time of physical rest, spiritual renewal, and a reminder of God’s provision.
Why Did Jesus Challenge the Religious Leaders?
The religious leaders in Jesus’ time had turned the Sabbath into a day of rigid legalism. They added layers of man-made rules to God’s command, making it difficult for people to find rest and joy in the day.
Their focus on rules over compassion blinded them to the true intent of the Sabbath—to bring life, healing, and restoration.
Biblical Example: Healing on the Sabbath
In Mark 3:1-6, Jesus healed a man with a deformed hand on the Sabbath, knowing it would provoke the religious leaders:
“Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, ‘Come and stand in front of everyone.’ Then he turned to his critics and asked, ‘Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?’ But they wouldn’t answer him. He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, ‘Hold out your hand.’ So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus” (NLT).
Jesus, moved by compassion, didn’t hesitate to act. His decision to heal the man revealed that God’s work of love and restoration doesn’t stop on the Sabbath.
This example shows us that God desires us to use every opportunity to do good. The Sabbath is a time to honor God, not by avoiding work at all costs, but by engaging in the kind of work that reflects His love—healing, serving, and caring for others.
Practical Ways to Honor the Sabbath
The principles of the Sabbath can still be applied in our modern context. While we may not observe the Sabbath in the same way as the Old Testament commands, we can still honor its purpose.
Here are practical ways to honor the Sabbath in your life:
Prioritize rest and reflection: Set aside time for physical rest and spiritual renewal. Use this time to reflect on God’s goodness and His provision in your life. The Sabbath is a gift of rest, not a burden of rules.
Do acts of kindness: Use your time to serve others. Whether it’s visiting someone who is lonely, helping a neighbor, or volunteering, the Sabbath is a day to do good. Doing good on the Sabbath honors God’s heart for mercy and compassion.
Reconnect with God and family: Make the Sabbath a time to deepen your relationships—with God and with those around you. Spend time in prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Let go of legalism: Don’t get caught up in rigid rules about how to observe the Sabbath. Instead, focus on resting in God’s grace and being intentional about showing love and kindness.
The Freedom of the Sabbath
The Sabbath is a reminder that we are not defined by our work or achievements. It’s a time to rest in God’s presence and trust in His provision. Jesus’ teaching on the Sabbath frees us from legalism and encourages us to live in a way that reflects God’s love and compassion.
When we observe the Sabbath with the right heart, we experience the rest and restoration that God intended. It’s not just about resting from physical work—it’s about finding spiritual renewal in God’s presence and using that time to bless others.
Consider the words of Timothy Keller, who writes:
“The purpose of Sabbath is not simply to rejuvenate yourself in order to do more production, nor is it the pursuit of pleasure. The purpose of Sabbath is to enjoy your God, life in general, what you’ve accomplished in the world through His help, and the freedom you have in the gospel—the freedom from slavery to any material object or human expectation.” [1]
The Sabbath is about experiencing the freedom and joy that comes from resting in God’s grace.
Key Takeaway
The Sabbath is a day for rest, reflection, and doing good. Jesus calls us to honor the Sabbath by showing love, mercy, and compassion to others.
Practical Step
This week, set aside time to honor the Sabbath. Make a plan to both rest and intentionally do something kind for someone in need, reflecting the heart of Jesus.
Reflection Questions
How can you embrace the spirit of the Sabbath in your life?
Are there areas where you’ve allowed legalism or busyness to overshadow the gift of rest and doing good?
[1] Timothy Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work (New York: Penguin, 2012), 75.