17 Luke 6:1-11 (The Lord of the Sabbath)

* As Chuck reminded us last week, Luke wrote this gospel account that we are studying in order "that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." * We have seen, that it was Jesus' custom to go to the Synagogue on the Sabbath. It was on the Sabbath that Jesus gave His Messianic proclamation in the Synagogue in Nazareth. It was also on the Sabbath that we saw His ministry begin in the town of Capernaum. There, in the Synagogue, the people were amazed at His teaching and He cast the unclean Spirit out of a man. Afterwards, Jesus went to Simon's house and healed Simon's mother-in-law. * Today, we are going to see Jesus - the Lord of the Sabbath - begin to deal with the misunderstandings that the people have regarding the Law of the Sabbath. These interactions are going to bring Him into direct confrontation with the Pharisees and teachers of the Law. * Similarly, this topic can be quite controversial amongst believers, and theologians, in the church today. Is the discussion of the Sabbath only for Israel in an Old Covenant setting? Do the principles of the Sabbath "laws" apply to believers, and if so, how? * Also, questions are then raised regarding the application of the teachings of Jesus for New Testament. Many dispensationalists, of which I am one, would declare that Jesus' teaching was "Kingdom" teaching and is not applicable to the saints if they are not reiterated elsewhere in the New Testament. However, Jesus specfically declared as part of the process of His Great Commission - to Make Disciples - that it included teaching the new believer (disciple) to observe all of the things which He commanded. * So, today's passage ... though, only 11 verses ... has so much for us to consider. Indeed, as Chuck mentioned last week, we will only scratch the surface! * First ... what is the Meaning of the "Second Sabbath." Again, there is great debate: is it the second Sabbath of Jesus in Capernaum (since Luke 4:31), or is this an allusion to it being the week of Passover and this is a reference to 1st Fruits, or one of the Holy Convocations? It is a detail that Luke chose to include by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Though it is not germaine to our discussion today, it would be a good study for you to perform!