Mark 2:28
Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Pharisees developed elaborate Sabbath regulations (39 categories of forbidden work in Mishnah) to 'fence' the law, making accidental violation impossible. Plucking grain heads while walking (Mark 2:23) violated their oral tradition, though not explicit Torah. Their system made Sabbath oppressive rather than restful. Jesus appeals to David eating showbread (1 Samuel 21:1-6), arguing from lesser to greater: if David's physical need justified ritual violation, how much more the Messiah's authority supersedes ceremonial law? This challenged scribal interpretive supremacy, threatening their religious authority structure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's lordship over Sabbath free you from both legalism and license?
- Do your Sundays reflect restful worship in Christ or anxious religious performance?
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Analysis & Commentary
'Therefore the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath' asserts Jesus' sovereignty over the fourth commandment. The Sabbath, instituted at creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and codified in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:8-11), was God's gift showing His lordship over time. By claiming lordship over Sabbath, Jesus claims divine authority. The conjunction 'therefore' (hōste) connects to verse 27: 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.' Jesus reverses Pharisaic priorities, showing Sabbath serves humanity's good under God's design, not as burdensome legalism. As Lord of Sabbath, Christ determines its proper observance. Reformed theology sees the moral law (Ten Commandments) as eternally binding but fulfilled in Christ, who is our Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9-10). The weekly Sabbath principle continues as worship on the Lord's Day, commemorating resurrection.