The Sabbath is very significant in religious life. The concept of it is based on the Creation Story, in which, on the 7th day, God took a rest after God created everything.
In today’s gospel, Jesus responded to the challenge raised by the Pharisee about why.
He works on the Sabbath. Literally, this religious law rooted in Mosaic law was interpreted according to a simple understanding of how to observe it. However, Jesus challenges the Pharisee to see if such observation and practice are applicable at the time.
That’s why he said to his audience that the Sabbath is designed for the needs of man, not for his own needs. This concept is quite different from the Jewish interpretation that, in the time of the Sabbath, no one will observe other things except for the Sabbath. If such religious law is applied to all of us, the human need in times of distress is vague. So, Jesus challenged the existing observation because it does not apply to the immediate needs of every individual.
Spiritually, Jesus has much concern for the needs of humans rather than strictly observing the Sabbath. There is no restriction on it. In fact, religious people should, except for observing the Sabbath, be able to attend to the needs of the people. However, it is mandatory for every Christian and believer to observe the Sabbath day because that’s our duty as Christians and followers of Jesus.
Observing the Sabbath day is a spiritually rejuvenating act to strengthen our faith in God as well as our closeness to God.
