Beyond the Weekend

October 9 | Not Holy Enough

October 9, 2020

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. Mark 3:4

Read: Mark 2:23-3:6
Listen: Mark 2 and 3

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The Pharisees took God’s command seriously to keep the Sabbath day holy (Exodus 20:8). But in their devotion, they destroyed the day of rest. Rather than being a holy, blessed day of rest, it had become a day of labor and worrying over rules you might break. Don’t look in a mirror, or you may pluck a gray hair and now you’re “harvesting.” Don’t drag a chair across a room, or you might move some dirt and be “plowing.” When Jesus allows his disciples to pick grain and later heals a man on the Sabbath, Jesus confronts all they hold sacred. Their anger hardens their hearts. Instead of choosing to believe he is God—they begin to plot his death.

Like the Pharisees, we can be attached to our systems and way of life more than we are to Jesus. It may show up by putting work over worship, control over trust or leisure over spiritual growth. Following Jesus requires intentionality and effort but brings freedom and is worth the effort. We have a decision to make. Will we say “Go for the renovation,” or will we say “Let it stay as it is”?

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Review your markings and notes on pages 23-30 of your journal. Sit with the text and notes. As you see the main idea in these conflicts between Jesus and the Pharisees, ask God to reveal any areas you have not allowed him to renovate. On page 25, write one or two tangible next steps you will commit to allow God full authority in your life.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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