Parents often let their children learn from failure. They do it for the higher purpose of preparing them to face the world. Jesus pointed to the high purpose of the Sabbath Day as He dealt with the Pharisees. They were blind to what really made the Sabbath Day holy. Jesus as Lord over the Sabbath took issue with their views. We find in Luke CH 6 that he showed them how King David in an emergency ate bread reserved only for priests– just as his disciples had done on the Sabbath. Jesus also healed a man on the Sabbath Day contrary to their custom. He asked them “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” His questions pointed them to the high purpose of the Sabbath. Yes, it was to honor God, but also to help those who hurt. For Christians, the Lord’s Day points to Christ’s resurrection. We gather to worship God, to learn, to connect with people, but also to help others when and wherever they hurt–at church or away from church.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
