Bible Pathways - October 5, 2005

October 5

Read Matthew 12

In Today's Reading:

Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath; controversy with Pharisees; unpardonable sin; Christ's death and resurrection foretold; His true kin

Jesus was confronted by Pharisees who criticized His disciples, saying: Behold, Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath Day (Matthew 12:2). Jesus responded: I say unto you, That in this place is One greater than the Temple. . . . For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath Day (12:6-8). The Old Testament worship system foreshadowed the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as well as His Church. Israel had been commanded to keep the Sabbath as a day of rest to commemorate the completion of all creation by God in six days (Exodus 20:9-11).

Because the Lord Jesus rose from the grave on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9), most Christians assemble to worship Him on the first day of the week. In the New Covenant we also read that in all things He might have the preeminence (first place). . . . Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday. . . . or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come (Colossians 1:18; 2:16-17).

The Sabbath, as well as all Jewish worship days that were also Sabbaths or holy convocations, were a shadow of things to come. The early Church recognized this and, in commemoration of Christ's resurrection upon the first day of the week . . . the disciples came together to break bread (Acts 20:7). A few years later, the Apostle Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to write: Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him (I Corinthians 16:2).

The Passover, commemorating Israel's freedom from Egyptian bondage, was replaced at Christ's final Passover when He instituted the Lord's Supper. As Jesus and the apostles were eating the Passover meal, Jesus took bread, and blessed (gave thanks to God for) it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is My blood of the New Testament (Covenant), which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:26-28).

Word Studies:

12:1 corn = grain fields; 12:5 profane = violate or break the law; 12:29 spoil his goods = take away his possessions; 12:44 garnished = ready for use.

Cross References:

For Matthew 12:7: See Hosea 6:6. Matthew 12:18-21: See Isaiah 42:1-4. Matthew 12:40: See Jonah 1:17.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by William H. Lupton · Government Officials: Rep. Virginia Brown-Waite (FL), Rep. Benjamin Cardin (MD), and Rep. Dennis Rehberg (MT) · Country: Samoa (190,000) in the South Pacific · Major languages: Samoan and English · Religious freedom · 68% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 9% cults; 2% Baha'i · Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord that His Word is absolutely trustworthy (I Kings 8:56).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 2:1