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Book of Luke - Chapter 6 - Verse 5

6:5
And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Meaning

When Jesus said to the Pharisees that "the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath," he was conveying a powerful message about his authority and relationship to the Sabbath. In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath was a sacred day of rest and worship, established by God as a sign of the covenant with Israel. By declaring himself as the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus was asserting his divinity and authority over the Sabbath law. He was indicating that he had the power to interpret and fulfill the true purpose of the Sabbath, which was to bring rest and restoration to humanity. Jesus' statement challenged the legalistic approach of the Pharisees, who were more concerned with following strict rules and regulations than showing compassion and mercy. As the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of love, justice, and mercy over tradition and legalism. Ultimately, this verse reminds us that Jesus has the ultimate authority to bring healing and hope to all who come to him, even on the Sabbath day.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Jesus asserts his authority over the sabbath by declaring himself as the Lord of the sabbath. This statement reflects Jesus' divinity and his role as the Son of God. The theological interpretation of this verse points to the fact that Jesus is not bound by the legalistic rules and regulations surrounding the sabbath, but rather he has the power to interpret and fulfill the true purpose of the sabbath. By proclaiming his lordship over the sabbath, Jesus is emphasizing that he is the ultimate authority over all aspects of life, including religious observances. This statement challenged the religious leaders of the time who were focused on strict adherence to the sabbath laws, showing that Jesus' teachings were focused on a deeper spiritual understanding rather than mere legalism. Through this declaration, Jesus is asserting his identity as the one who has come to fulfill the law and bring about a new understanding of God's kingdom.

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