DID YOU SEE HIM?
- Key Verse
"For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." (Matthew 12:8)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
Jesus wants to give us rest--not a nap, but true rejuvenation of soul and body.
Reflections
I missed Him. It was probably about the tenth time I read this passage before I finally saw Him. Chasing distractions comes naturally to me, so it shouldn't be a surprise that it took me that long to find Him. It's even a little ironic when you think about it. I worked and strained to extract the central truth from this passage, and the central truth is Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, or said another way, the Lord of rest.
Jesus was there all along. He revealed a core characteristic of His nature to us, but I had focused on the debate started by the Pharisees. How would Jesus respond to the legal arguments about the rules of the Sabbath? While there are lessons to be learned from how Jesus used these teachable moments with the Pharisees, the best lesson for me is found in the truth of who He is. He is Lord of the Sabbath. The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew root word shabhath, which means to desist, cease, or rest. Jesus offers us the kind of rest for our souls that only the Divine Creator can offer.
I especially appreciate this aspect of Christ's nature. Experiencing Jesus' rest is more deeply fulfilling and peace-giving than sleeping for twelve hours straight or taking a vacation. One distinct memory of experiencing His rest was my senior year in college when my mom passed away from cancer. In the midst of the hurt and sorrow, Jesus brought me into a place of shelter and rest emotionally. When I spent time alone in prayer and reading the Bible, Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, met me there and gave me rest.
Have you missed Him? What is keeping you from experiencing Jesus as your Lord of the Sabbath? Don't try to find rest on your own. He desires to give you a rest so complete you can't understand it, a rest from whatever stress, work, pain, or chaos is ravaging your life. See Him. Get to know Him, the Lord of the Sabbath.
Discussion Questions
1. What storm of your life are you in right now where you need to run into the arms of the Lord of the Sabbath to find rest?2. How do you get to know the Lord of the Sabbath?
3. What do you do to practice rest?
4. What else did you learn about the character of Jesus from this passage?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Jesus used Scripture to teach the Pharisees (verses 3 & 5). Why is it important for us to know Scripture?
2. What does Scripture teach us about God’s heart?
Reggie
February 5, 2010 04:27 AM
We are so glad that those 2 hippies met, fell in love had you. Then you came into Courtney's life and thus into ours. The added bonus is Josh and Lillie! Your journey through the loss of your mom and your love for our Savior have impacted us deeply. I am so glad you did not "miss Him". And thanks for the encouragement to find rest in Him today. Mimi and I thank God for you Jason. Keep on resting!!!
Clint Miller
February 5, 2010 04:54 AM
Too often I forget the rest Christ can give me if I just seek Him out. I let life and the routine I choose to follow interfere with that rest. Thanks for the reminder Jason!
Karen Rooker
February 5, 2010 06:23 AM
Awesome! I missed it too, Jason, but thanks to your great devo, I get it! Because Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, he says,"forget all your man made rules, I don't want your sacrifices, just rest in Me! And I can say so, b/c it's MY day and that's what I say I want"...so just rest! Cool!! Thanks, Jason!
Kay wyma
February 5, 2010 06:29 AM
Jason - Thanks for encouraging us, through your example, to look beyond the story and find Christ. Its often a challenge to put aside the familiarity of a story or what I think it has to say and ask God to open my eyes to what He has to reveal. I loved what He showed you. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah Crotty
February 5, 2010 06:47 AM
As one who finds it difficult to rest, I really appreciated your words pointing to the One who gives rest this morning.
Andy Clark
February 5, 2010 06:47 AM
Jason, great job. Man I related to being good at chasing distractions. To looking real hard for the point of scripture, when often it is right in front of me. I love the fact that Jesus does not get distracted from his mission. Even though there are often distraction surrounding his interactions. That brings me a lot of hope...That Imay get distracted, but He won't.
Becca
February 5, 2010 07:13 AM
What a great truth, Jason. You explained it so well. Thanks for sharing.
Desi Brown
February 5, 2010 07:27 AM
Great reminder Jason! I all to often miss it too.
Courtney Vorel
February 5, 2010 07:33 AM
Sweet Jason, you're the best husband and dad to our kids. So grateful for your insights this morning.
Freddie
February 5, 2010 07:53 AM
Great work, Jason. Your insights on today's passages really struck me in a way that I had "missed" before. I especially related to part of the first discussion question, "...run into the arms of the Lord of the Sabbath to find rest." What a blessing to have such a privilege and opportunity! Thank you.
Melody
February 5, 2010 08:14 AM
Thank you, Jason, for reminding me that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I needed that reminder during a hectic season.
Chris
February 5, 2010 08:18 AM
Beautifully said. You've brought to light an absolute and important truth.
Mike shelton
February 5, 2010 08:25 AM
Great stuff Jason!!!
Troy Dandrea
February 5, 2010 08:47 AM
That was a well needed and refreshing reminder in this crazy season of life. Grateful for your heart, Jason, your insight and your friendship. Way to consider spurring us on today towards Jesus.
Ben Stites
February 5, 2010 09:10 AM
Thanks for your insight. In our busy lives it is great to be reminded that Christ is the provider of rejuvenating rest! Thanks for the shared wisdom and truth. God Bless you and your family, we miss you guys.
Jan
February 5, 2010 09:13 AM
Thanks, Jason--awesome and profound. I missed it, too. Thanks for being a great leader, humble and an unbelievably good teacher. I've enjoyed serving with you, look forward to learning more from your obvious time spent with the Lord.
John Rogers
February 5, 2010 09:25 AM
I was struck with the thought / observation that the Pharisees must have been following them all of the time because the way the verses are written as soon as the disciples are eating the grain the Pharisees start to complain and accuse. They were watching them. Maybe always watching them. What a situation always living under scrutiny.
Lindsay Loucks
February 5, 2010 09:26 AM
Thanks Jason! Needed that this mornin'!
Andy Kerner
February 5, 2010 09:36 AM
Jason - I, too, missed the point. What a great reminder of "resting" in Him. andy
Debra Pettit
February 5, 2010 09:39 AM
Thank you for taking the time to rest in the Lord so that He could reveal this truth to you- for you to share with us. Your message was really impactful.
Gloria Jean
February 5, 2010 02:17 PM
Jason, thank you just doesn't seem like enough, because this came at the perfect time. It has been such a trying week, Mom (86 yrs. stong) has been unable to do anything for herself this entire week because of an injured hand. So I've had to extend myself beyond human strength just to keep working and taking care of her and the everyday life things; even my sleep has been filled with dreams and visions of terrible things happening. Although I'm faithful to my morning devotions and prayer journal, I was unable to hear from the Lord, but as I was reading your message, I could feel the perfect peace that surpasses all understanding surround me. I'm so proud of you and I thank God for allowing you to be the one to refresh my soul. Peace and Blessings to you, family and chruch family. Gloria Jean
paul rutherford
February 5, 2010 02:31 PM
Question three. "What do you do to practice rest?" Until that moment, I have never conceived of rest as something to practice. Thanks for broadening my perspective, Jason. Unfortunately, my answer is, "nothing." I'm inadequately lacking. Thank you for showing me where I can grow.
Jenny B
February 5, 2010 02:53 PM
Thanks for the encouragement! As a new mom who is not getting much physical rest right now, I am thankful for your words about spiritual rest that our Lord offers!
Bart Johnston
February 8, 2010 10:16 AM
Jason Thanks for making me aware of what "rest" really means. Have a great day!