Christian Art | Lord Of The Sabbath | Pray The Gospels | King James Audio Bible KJV
Luke 6: 1-5 – Week 22 Ordinary Time, Saturday (King James Audio Bible KJV, Spoken Word)
1 AND it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.
2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
The Sabbath day, Saturday, was established by God in order to allow the Jewish people a special time to worship, and so therefore to fulfil their purpose and the highest good on Earth, which is to worship God. The Law was established through Moses following upon the release from Egypt, during which time of punishment the people had been prevented from worshipping God. Clearly, God wants us to have time to worship. It is sin when people prevent other people from having such time. This is central to our belief as Christians. The Lord’s Day, Sunday, is sacrosanct. It is our best opportunity in a busy and difficult world to give time to God.
The Pharisees know some of this, as it were in theory. In today’s Gospel verses, the Pharisees are shown to have the letter of the Law, but rather lack understanding as to the heart of God’s intentions for man. Indeed, their elaboration of the list of prohibited activities may have obscured for them the central fact of worship. It is pure casuistry on the part of the Pharisees as they claim to see plucking ears of corn as being the same as harvesting and crushing them as being the same as milling – two types of agricultural work forbidden on the Sabbath.
In responding to the Pharisees, Jesus suggests his own legal descent from David, and so the prophecies concerning the Messiah, and more than this suggests that as he walks through the fields with his disciples, the ground he occupies is holy – the bread of the Presence is here, the new Temple is here. This flows into Jesus’ declaration that ‘the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath’. This is self-revelation, unmistakeably so. Jesus is revealing himself as God the Son. It is to Jesus that the Sabbath is oriented.
Concluding Prayer | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
Let us praise you, Lord,
with voice and mind and deed:
and since life itself is your gift,
may all we have and are be yours.
We make our prayer through our Lord.
King James Audio Bible | Endnotes
What Does Jesus Mean When He Speaks Of King David On The Sabbath Day?
In Luke 6:1-5, Jesus and his disciples were walking through a grain field on the Sabbath day when the disciples began to pluck and eat the grain. The Pharisees, who were present, accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath law. In response, Jesus reminded them of an incident in the Old Testament where David and his men ate the showbread in the temple, which was not lawful for anyone except the priests to eat.
This reference to David in Luke 6:1-5 is significant because it challenges the Pharisees’ legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath law. Jesus is essentially saying that the law is not absolute and that there are certain circumstances where it can be broken in order to meet a greater need.
The incident that Jesus refers to is recorded in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. David and his men were on the run from King Saul and were in need of food. They went to the tabernacle and asked the priest for bread. The only bread available was the showbread, which was placed on the table in the holy place and was reserved for the priests to eat. Nevertheless, the priest gave the bread to David and his men, and they ate it.
This incident was significant because it showed that there were times when it was permissible to break the law in order to meet a greater need. David and his men were hungry and in need of food, and the showbread was the only bread available. The priest recognized their need and gave them the bread even though it was not lawful for them to eat it.
Jesus’ reference to this incident was meant to show the Pharisees that their legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath law was misguided. The Sabbath law was meant to promote rest and worship, but it was not meant to be a burden or a hindrance to meeting the needs of others. Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath were motivated by his love for his disciples and his desire to meet their needs, just as David’s actions were motivated by his need for food.
Jesus’ reference to David also highlights his own identity as the Messiah, who was prophesied to be a descendant of David. In Matthew 22:41-46, Jesus asks the Pharisees: ‘What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?’ They reply: ‘The son of David.’ Jesus then quotes Psalm 110:1, which refers to the Messiah as David’s Lord, and asks how David could call him Lord if he was his son. This exchange emphasizes the fact that the Messiah was not merely a physical descendant of David, but also his Lord and superior.
The poem is an introspective dialogue in which Herbert contemplates a tension between worldly values and divine realities. The poem opens with an expression of disdain for the superficial trappings of honour, wealth, and beauty. These are dismissed as transient, ‘fair dust’ that, despite their allure, amount to no more than ‘gilded clay’ or ‘fine grass or hay’. This imagery diminishes worldly achievements and possessions, positioning them beneath Herbert’s spiritual footing as something to be trodden upon rather than exalted [ … ]
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
Today’s Bible verses, as per the Roman lectionary, notably elide Matthew 10: 5: ‘Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.’ This omission is curious, though understandable: during the Mass especially, we are to contemplate inclusion rather than exclusion, and the intentions behind Jesus’ initial injunctions to those he sends to preach might well require explanation. Jesus, then, tells his missionary disciples: you are sent now to preach to the Jews alone, not to Gentiles, not to Samaritans, but to Jews alone [ … ]
