SABBATH WORKS AND WORDS
‘And it came to pass, as He went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched Him.’
Let us follow the Lord in spirit, and listen to the instruction that He gave to those who were gathered with Him at the board. Our subject calls us to notice two things in particular:—
I. His Sabbath works (Luke 14:1-6).—All His works may be summed up in one word—‘Who went about doing good’ (Acts 10:38). And the Sabbath was no exception. As the Father does good by carrying on His works of providence, so the Son His works of grace (John 5:16-17). See on the present occasion. He finds a poor man in the house suffering from dropsy. Without waiting for an application for help, He anticipates the sufferer’s wants (Isaiah 65:24; Psalms 59:10). He anticipates also the thoughts of the murmurers’ hearts (Luke 14:3; Matthew 9:4; Hebrews 4:12-13; Revelation 2:23). He performs the good deed of healing (Exodus 15:26; Jeremiah 17:14). He justifies Himself at the expense of His enemies (Luke 14:5-6; Romans 3:9). They were really annoyed with Christ, because He did good upon the Sabbath (1 John 3:12-13; cf. John 10:32-33).
II. His Sabbath words (Luke 14:7-11).—Like His works, they were always good. He always turned the conversation to what was important and edifying (Ephesians 4:29). Thus was He the faithful and true Witness (John 18:37). One is inclined to be silent in the presence of the wicked (Psalms 39:1-2), but not so Christ. See on the present occasion how He improves the opportunity. From the feast He leads their thoughts to the gospel feast (Luke 14:16). From their taking seats at table He teaches them humility (Luke 14:8-11). Christ’s eye is upon us in the commonest actions (Psalms 139:2). He sees us take our place at table, and remarks upon it. He bids us esteem others better than ourselves (Php_2:3; 3 John 1:9). Pride goes before a fall (Luke 14:9; Proverbs 29:23). Before honour there must be humility (Luke 14:10; Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 25:6-7).
Let us not fail to lay these things to heart. I fear that with many of us Sunday words and Sunday deeds are not what they should be. How much time is lost in idleness or foolish talking! Let us listen to the words of the Apostle, when he calls us to be followers of Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2; Ephesians 5:4; Ephesians 5:16).
—Bishop Rowley Hill.
Illustration
‘All God’s people always had the institution of the Sabbath. There was first of all the patriarchal Sabbath instituted of God, which was the life of the family, and for this patriarchal or family life God instituted the seventh day as a day of rest. This was followed by the Jewish or national institution, with additional ceremonial observances. And then, last of all, followed the Christian Sunday, which included the family and the national life, and also the whole world. First, the seventh day, then the Sabbath and the ceremonial observances, and then, last of all, the Lord’s Day. The Sabbath, under the Jewish régime, became almost a purely ceremonial observance; it overlapped everything, even to absurdity. So the institution of the Lord’s resting day had been over-larded by effete, absurd, and exacting ceremonials. Then comes our Lord and Master, and gives us very definitely the law about the Christian day of rest—the Lord’s Day.’