Sabbath: Jesus, the Giver of Rest
Image © Pacific Press
Sabbath Afternoon,
Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 15:13–21; Hebrews 3:12–19; Hebrews 4:6–11; Hebrews 4:1, Hebrews 4:3, Hebrews 4:5, Hebrews 4:10; Deuteronomy 5:12–15; Hebrews 4:8-11.
Memory Text: “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9, NKJV).
Hebrews 1 and 2 focused on the enthronement of Jesus as the ruler and liberator of God’s people. Hebrews 3 and 4 introduce Jesus as the one who will provide rest for us. This progression makes sense once we remember that the Davidic covenant promised that God would give the promised king and his people “rest” from their enemies (2 Samuel 7:10-11). This rest is available to us now that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God.
Hebrews describes the rest both as a rest that belongs to God and as a Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:1-11). God made this rest, which was His, available to Adam and Eve. The first Sabbath was the experience of perfection with the one who made that perfection possible. God also promises a Sabbath rest because true Sabbath observance embodies the promise that God will bring that perfection back.
When we keep the Sabbath, we remember that God made perfect provision for us when He created the world and when He redeemed it at the cross. True Sabbath observance, however, besides first and foremost pointing us back to Creation, offers us a foretaste, in this imperfect world, of the future that God has promised.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 29.
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What a good week we have coming this week! Not only does Hebrews 4 have support for Jesus the giver of rest Matthew 11:28. Hebrews 4:9.
Also there is a solid support of the Seventh-day-Sabbath in the New Testement by the 4th chapter of Hebrews, especially if you put it in context and don't misinterpreate, a Sabbath day of rest in Hebrews 4, the Sabbath is supported in Hebrews 4. We do not need a thus saith the Lord in the New Testement, they all the Jewish people all kept the Seventh-day-Sabbath. Hmmmm that and Old Testement testemony is plenty of evidence for me. Also Christ honored the Seventh-day-Sabbath.
Today's lesson does a good job of starting to unpack the concept of rest as a mutually shared experience between Creator and created. This contrasts strongly with the restlessness that is increasingly presently pervading our world and which is the only thing that can only be experienced under 'sin'. Keep in mind that (a) 'sin' is most broadly the being out-of-harmony with how God created this world to originally be and to which He is working to once again restore it and (b) that God created it that way because it is the only way that life can actually work.
As we continue on through Hebrews, it is important to keep being aware of our (subconsciously-driven) default-tendency as humans to latch on to the metaphors of scripture and stop too soon in our understanding of those metaphors. In doing this we end up seeing things 'in our image' without realising we are doing so. Rather, the metaphors are only the starting point to help us in our journey to "inch" ever closer towards growing in our learning and seeing of God's higher ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). To go beyond this start point, ask the Holy Spirit to help you stretch beyond and consider the ways that God's reality is different to what we know of the metaphor we are reflecting upon.
For this week, that might mean starting with considering how God's rest is similar to what we know and understand rest to mean. And then go beyond that to carefully take the time to consider how God's rest might be different to - more than - what we know and understand it to mean.
In accord with what you have written, we might “keep” the Sabbath, thinking in it we have access to eternal life. Yet it is the Sabbath that is witnessing of Christ, but we believe that what we think and say and do is keeping enough, so we do not press on to Jesus so that we might have life. (John 5:39-40.) We must strive to look higher and fix our attention on our high priest abiding in the presence of God because it is only in the presence of their love that we will truly find rest.
Thanks Bro. Phil.
Your submissions are usually poignant with some solid points for introspection and re-adjustment to one's life, which can only become a reality with the Help of the Holy Spirit.
Much appreciated.
Missed your comments for a few days.Welcome back!
Keep on doing the work God has called you to do. Teach with clarity my brother.
Maranatha!
Thank you Athlene for taking the time and effort to give feedback and encouragement. It is appreciated. I praise God for any blessing someone might receive.
God bless you in your situation and circumstances.
Jesus, the Giver of Rest
He is able to give us rest because He had earned it. Also His work reflect the perfection required by God.
When I enter into His rest, I reflect/meditate upon His finished work. When I reflect on His finished it gives me strength to face the challenges of this world.
The author made three powerful points today
"Remember who made the perfection possible" - It was all of God none of me
"This rest is available to us now" - This perfection is now made available unto the believers. When I try so hard, I fail but when I give up trying and focus on Him then that which was impossible for me to overcome had been made possible through him.
"Will bring the perfection back" - At the third coming of Christ when sin shall be put away the harmony of the universe will be restored. Those in Christ are groaning with the birth pain for the redemption of this earth.
How often I wanted to leave the church and turn my back on Christ because I had shifted the focus on to me and my performance. By shifting my focus on to Him, I forget my failure and remember His perfection is given unto me.
Are you failing in your Christian walk; where is the focus?
Heb.4:10-11 NKJV - v.10: ”For he who has entered His(God’s) rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His; v.11: Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of 'disobedience'.” We are called to exercise Faith! Faith and Love are the preventers of 'disobedience'. I am looking forward to learn more about it.
I still hold that 2 Sam.7:10-11 refers to the establishment of the reign of King David’s son Solomon. David, king of Israel and Judah, had six sons, but only one would be crowned king. The promised ‘rest’ for the nation of Israel was to live in their own land, to 'move no more’; leading them to 'rest' from all your (Israel’s) enemies. The right understanding is at the end of v.11, when Samuel foretells that “the LORD tells you(Israel) that He (the Lord) will make you(Isreal) a house” - building the Temple to dwell among His people.
Heb.4:2NKJV - ”The word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” Again, I see their promised rest through David to refer to their physical rest, not the spiritual rest of Israel; though it could be implied.
I might be interesting to know that, at about the age of 15, Saul who later became Paul began his in-depth study of the Law under the tutorship of the famous Rabbi Gamaliel and became a Pharisee.
Quote from Britanica: "Pharisee, member of a Jewish religious party that flourished in Palestine during the latter part of the Second Temple period (515BCE-70CE). The Pharisees' insistence on the binding force of oral tradition ("the unwritten Torah") remains a basic tenet of Jewish theological thought." When the Mishan (the first constituent part of the Talmud) was compiled about 200 CE, it incorporated the teachings of the Pharisees on Jewish law."
I find Paul's teachings to use language expressing legal aspects of the Law in reference to the Gospel, though to be understood to convey the Will of God in its spiritual aspects of Truth.
A Brother who gives us rest... Now that's something to be excited about!
"Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matt. 11:28-30)."
I have found this scripture as the means into His rest. As I set my mind on Jesus, I don't worry about anything. I haven't feared anything for a long time. In Him I find a changed heart and mind (Heb. 10:16). Just as Satan tried to tempt Jesus (Luke 4:1-13), I find Jesus giving me Scriptural responses of the things He has taught me; and in them, Satan always loses. "Trust the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones" (Prov. 3:5-8). For me, this is the time of the Sabbath where the Lord gives rest to those who follow Him in all His ways. You will find what I have; that rest is in the love only Christ can dispense.
Celeste - thank you for sharing your testimony, encouraging us that all can find what you have found: "that rest is in the love only Christ can dispense."
Amen !
I am blessed because my witness has encouraged you. I am even more blessed because you let me know that Jesus' work in me has encouraged you all the more to continue to walk in His love. Thank you.
Apparently, the Apostle Paul compares the Fourth Commandment rest of the Sabbath to the rest in the Salvation of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. That must be the reason that there are Sunday keepers that are so much in love with Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and it shows also in their dealings and love for others.
I had also wanted to share regarding the Apostle Paul's statement mentioned in last weeks' lesson about Jesus being like us in flesh and in blood etc., in Romans 7:14, Paul says that he was "carnal sold under sin." Carnal just means "Flesh and blood." Jesus was also "Flesh and blood." But the part about being, "...sold under sin" never applied to Jesus. EGW says in the book "Medical Ministry," that Jesus "...took upon His Sinless nature, our sinful nature." So, I see here that Jesus had a sinless nature in His Divinity and when He combined it with our sinful nature as a human in flesh and in blood, His flesh was Divinely flawlessly sinless, even though He took upon Himself our fallen sinful thousands and thousands of genetically flawed years of fallen sinful humanity, He was still sinless in that fallen state of humanity and thus our elder brother as the "Second Adam."
Pete, could it be that Christ took the very flawed human fleshly nature but that His spiritual nature (from the indwelling Holy Spirit) was flawless? He experienced the pull to sin from human flesh, but His spiritual nature resisted this pull and did not yield for even a moment.
Inge Anderson, I would agree with this because Jesus did not have a human father even though His genetics as a human was from His human mother Mary. But He had a Divine Father from the Holy Spirit that spoke Jesus' Humanity into Mary's womb. So, I see Jesus as having a sinless nature in His Divinity but a sinful nature in His Humanity because of His human mother Mary and in this Divine and Human combination He was considered "Absolutely free from sin" and a perfectly flawless "Lamb of God."
For what it’s worth on what is a very thought provoking topic...
One of the difficulties on this topic across the years is due to human language. Often a word (or even a phrase) is less precise than the reality it is meant to be representing - and much of the time this is no big deal. But sometimes this limitation does create issues. Nature refers to the inherent characteristics or features of something - but it doesn't require that absolutely all inherent characteristics or features be present to qualify as sharing in that nature, only that enough are present to authentically constitute similitude. This is reflected in relevant Bible verses (eg Romans 8:3, Philippians 2:7) that apparently deliberately include the modifier ‘likeness’ (Greek: homoioma) rather than omitting this modifier which would then convey the idea of 100% sameness in all aspects. What I have outlined above is consistent with exegetical commentaries I have also consulted in regard to, for example, Romans 8:3.
Consequently it would seem that when we use the term "sinful nature" in reference to Christ, we need to also qualify which aspects of human nature we are referring to and which ones we are not - just as Pete has done in his original comment above (January 25, 2022 at 6:53 am).
As I was reading your comment today, I had realized that the 1st Adam didn't have a sin nature until he turned away from God. I believe Jesus was in that form and did not have a sinful nature since he never turned away from his father. Adam and Eve were tempted while in the garden without having a sinful nature at the time of their temptation. Jesus was tempted the same way, yet He never sinned. This is why He could be the perfect sacrifice.
You are spot on Celeste. Praise God you can see that.
If I may clarify your last sentence, Jesus being tempted the same way but not sinning was not so much why He could be the perfect sacrifice as it was how He was the perfect sacrifice and how He perfectly sacrificed. Have a careful look at Romans 5:19 and you will see Paul emphasising this.
You will also see this being reflected in Hebrews 10:5 where Paul similarly points out that it was not the type of sacrificing that Christianity has mistakenly assumed - the being put to death as a sacrificial payment of some death penalty - that God desired. Rather, Hebrews 10:5 emphasises that the desired 'sacrificing' was the inhabiting of a (human) body - to do what? Matthew 16:24 along with Romans 5:19 and Philippians 2:8 all answer this question - to face temptation as humanity's second Adam substitute who successfully sacrificed the impulse to give into temptation by instead resisting temptation and instead remaining in harmony with ('obedience to') righteousness (doing 'rightness' by remaining in harmony with the essential principles necessary for true life).
Does this make sense?
Thank you for your comment, but I don't quite see it the same way. Paul says "He was tempted in every way that we are, but He did not sin" (Hebrews 4:15).
The way I see it is that the only sacrifice that is acceptable to God was a lamb without spot or wrinkle. It is written that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Roman's 3:23), so no human on earth could ever be a perfect sacrifice. Only the Son of the Father would be capable of resisting all temptations. That is why Jesus is called the Lamb of God. He is the only one capable of perfect righteousness in our humble human form, and able to meet the requirement God demanded.
Now you may have seen another insight that is worthy of attention. In reviewing your comment one more time, I can see your point. However, aren't we saying the same thing in 2 different ways? God bless you!
You are right when you said:
"he never turned away
from his father"
Therefore, because of our sins the father had to made him sin for us who knew no sin. 2Corinthians 5:21. This is how he did it "...God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" Romans 8:3-4.
In the divinely ordained weekly rhythm of resting and working, the Sabbath not only brings us a much needed rest from our labors but more importantly helps to reshape and redirect the meaning of the very work itself. It is only through a connection with the Creator can the things of creation take their proper place and use.
In our modern society, which has clearly placed productivity over relationships, doing over being, the weekly Sabbath has the potential of reminding us that life was not made to be devoted to the material but the spiritual and relational. The Sabbath teaches that humankind was not made to consume things but made for communion with God and COMMUNITY with one another.
Please let us not forget "COMMUNITY".
Nelson - you pointed out an aspect which I had not yet clearly seen - “The Sabbath teaches that humankind was not made to consume but made for communion with God and one another.” This is a very valuable observation - thank you!
Why is it that when I meet with the people at the SDA Church in my city, all they want to talk about are their worldly lives? God or Jesus aren't even mentioned outside of the service. They haven't shared any witness of their life with Jesus. No witness of answered prayers. A community of God should be a fellowship where Jesus is the center of the conversation. When I bring Jesus into the conversation by hearing a troubled witness and asking us to pray, they are willing. However, they quickly move to worldly things again, and I feel left out. I have witnessed that going to church doesn't necessarily form a community of God, and I have been to many denominations. Also, when I share a need I have in the service, no one comes forward to help me. God has given me a few people to take care of spiritually. They welcome my fellowship. However, the world often gets in the way with them. Even though I would spend time with them to discuss Jesus, they never seem to be able to make the time to get together. I thank God that the phone technology allows me to keep in touch and let them know they are loved.
Hi Celeste
You have raised an excellent question as a start point to discussion regarding what is a significant and widespread issue and has been such for a long time. From the perspective of trying to understand what is going on as a first-step - though not in order to point a finger at anyone - do you and other readers have some thoughts as to why this is happening?
Hi Celeste!
I guess I'm not the only one thinking the same thing. I'm also really saddened by the fact that my fellow church members didn't actually talk about Jesus in church. Outside the sermon and service, they would talk about everything else but the Bible. I really felt left out, and I didn't feel like I'm in church, and sometimes I'm even asking myself, how are we going to actually share about Jesus, when we never even talk about that. As a teenager, I really want to be an active church member, even so, my current church didn't support it (which also saddens me). I also can't choose to go to another adventist church, since my parents choose to stay in this church. Now I'm stuck with this problems, and I've asked the elders, but no definite response to solve this problem. I'm also afraid that one day I might be one of those lost sheep, even though I'm in the right church. I'm really open to suggestion, if any of the readers have an idea about what to do with my situation 🙂 have a great sabbath
Hi Fifi. God reminded me of what He led me to do when in Church. It's something I have done while in the fellowship meals. Since my focus is on Jesus almost all the time, I would listen carefully, and when I see a need, if the Spirit leads, I would ask those I sat with to pray with me for the need. Otherwards, I would automatically pray in silence. If I could meet that someone's need, I would offer my help. Otherwise, how would they learn that is what Jesus wants. Jesus said, let your light shine before others.
We who are mature should shine the character of Jesus so those who are lacking may see Jesus' work in us and start desiring it for themselves.
Don't be discouraged if they don't get it. Only God can change them. Your part is to sow the seed of focus on Jesus, I believe if we continue in Jesus' lead, we will eventually reap a true community of fellowship with Jesus and one another. I challenge everyone to work toward this goal.
Hi Fifi, i think some of us go through a similar situation.It is not something you alone are experiencing. A sisterly advice I have for you is dont fret looking at your surrounding... fix your eyes on Jesus and keep on praying for your brothers and sisters in your church for the holy spirit to open their hearts so that they can reassess their lives and start living as Christians looking forward to the second coming of our saviour. As Christians, we are supposed to strengthen each other and pray for the weak (Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV). And prayers do miracles if we truly pray truly beliving that God is able to answer our requests. God bless!
Jesus said, "Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." This is the true Sabbath Rest of Jesus for us. And only when we rest in Jesus whether on the 7th day of the week or otherwise do we truly have and experience God's true "Sabbath Rest."
Amen!
This is a solemn invitation of Christ to us(sinners). But not everyone would respond to such divine invitation, unless we recognize our restlessness and our greater need of rest in Jesus Christ.
In Exodus 2:23-24 the Bible says that the Israelites cried by the reason of bondage, and God heard their groaning and remembered his covernant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They recognize their greatest need of rest and deliverance from bondage.
"For He(God the Father) hath made Him(Jesus) to be sin for us(sinners), who KNEW NO sin; that we(sinners) might be made the RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD in Him(Jesus)" 2Corinthians 5:21. "Now unto Him that is ABLE to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" Jude 1:24. We just called upon to believe in the powerful precious blood of the LAMB that is able to give us victory over temptation.