KING JESUS: A JOURNEY THROUGH MATTHEW'S GOSPEL (PT 14)

As Christians, our faith centers on Jesus Christ, whom we proclaim as our Savior. We value His redemptive work on the cross and the promise of salvation that He extends to all who believe in Him. However, in our focus on Jesus as Savior, we must not overlook another crucial aspect of His identity—His lordship. Beyond being our Savior, Jesus is also our Lord—the master, owner, and possessor of our lives. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the profound implications of Jesus' lordship, particularly as it pertains to the Sabbath, as found in Matthew 12:1-8.
 
Understanding Jesus' Lordship:
The term "Lord" echoes deeply throughout both the Old and New Testaments, carrying deep implications of authority, sovereignty, and kingship. Jesus Christ characterizes this lordship in His earthly ministry. Throughout His time on earth, Jesus surpassed human laws and traditions, revealing His divine authority over all aspects of life. Whether in His teachings, miracles, or interactions with others, Jesus displayed a sense of authority that surpassed human comprehension, signifying His sovereignty as Lord.
 
Jesus' lordship extends far beyond mere human ideas or earthly titles. It includes His divine authority over creation, humanity, and the spiritual realm. In His teachings, Jesus challenged normal standards and revealed deep truths about the nature of God's kingdom. In His miracles, He demonstrated His power over sickness, sin, and even death itself. And in His interactions with others, Jesus displayed compassion, wisdom, and humility, representing the perfect example of a servant-king. As we delve into the implications of Jesus' lordship, particularly concerning the Sabbath, we see the transformative power of His authority in our lives.
 
Mark 1:40 - 44
Lord of Cleanliness: Jesus defies the laws of cleanliness by touching and healing a leper. This act demonstrates His lordship over purity and impurity, signifying His compassion for all people, regardless of their societal status or condition.
 
Mark 2:1-12
Lord of Mercy and Forgiveness:  Jesus not only heals a paralytic but also forgives his sins—a privilege at this time reserved for God alone. Here, Jesus asserts His lordship over mercy and forgiveness, offering liberation from sin and restoration to wholeness.
 
Mark 2:13-17
Lord of Sinners: In this passage Jesus is dining with sinners, and challenging societal norms. By calling Matthew, a despised tax collector, to follow Him, Jesus asserts His lordship over sinners, extending grace and redemption to those deemed unworthy by society.
 
Mark 2:18-22
Lord of Celebration: Jesus defends His disciples' decision not to fast, emphasizing the joyous nature of His presence. He declares Himself the Lord of celebration, ushering in a new era of rejoicing in the kingdom of God.
 
Matthew 12:1-8
Lord of the Sabbath: This passage recounts a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He and His disciples encounter opposition from the religious leaders regarding the observance of the Sabbath. As Jesus and His disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, they draw the anger of the Pharisees, who accuse them of breaking the Sabbath law. In response, Jesus challenges their legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath, emphasizing the principle of mercy and compassion over rigid adherence to religious regulations. He reminds them of David's actions when he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, demonstrating that human need and the principles of mercy take precedence over strict observance of religious rituals.
 
Furthermore, in this passage, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, provoking further controversy among the Pharisees. Despite their scrutiny, Jesus boldly proclaims His authority as the Lord of the Sabbath, declaring that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as a burdensome legalistic requirement. Through these encounters, Jesus challenges conventional religious practices and reveals the true essence of the Sabbath—a day of rest, renewal, and restoration. Matthew 12:1-12 serves as a profound reminder of Jesus' lordship and His compassionate concern for the well-being of humanity, which surpasses the legalistic interpretations of religious laws.
 
Understanding the Sabbath:
I spoke on this last week and want to remind you that the Sabbath, was instituted by God as a day of rest and worship and holds significance in our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. It serves as a weekly reminder of God's provision, His sovereignty, and His call to rest in Him.

1. Sabbath as Rest: The Sabbath is not merely an ending of labor but a sacred time of rest and renewal. It invites us to pause from our busyness, to reflect on God's goodness, and to find rejuvenation in His presence.
   
   
2. Sabbath as Worship: On the Sabbath, we gather as a community of believers to worship God, to offer Him our praise and adoration. It is a time of spiritual nourishment, as we engage in prayer, scripture reading, and fellowship with one another.
   
   
3. Sabbath as Reflection: The Sabbath also provides an opportunity for contemplation and spiritual growth. It prompts us to examine our hearts, to repent of our sins, and to realign our lives with God's purposes.

 
So, in this account Jesus defends their actions by declaring Himself the Lord of the Sabbath, revealing His authority over religious rituals and the true essence of Sabbath rest.
 
 
Implications of Jesus' Lordship:
Recognizing Jesus as Lord of all demands a radical reorientation of our lives. It requires us to acknowledge that he is central in every aspect of our being—our identity, actions, and priorities.

1. Jesus is Central to Who I Am: When we declare Jesus as Lord, we acknowledge His lordship over our identity. No longer defined by our past or accomplishments, we find our true identity in Christ, as His beloved children.
   
2. Jesus is Central to What I Do: Surrendering to Jesus' lordship means aligning our actions with His will. Every decision, every endeavor, finds its purpose and meaning in serving the kingdom of God and glorifying His name.
   
3. Jesus is Central to What I Value: Submitting our priorities to his lordship means placing Him at the forefront of our lives, decisions, and actions. This involves prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else, seeking to understand His teachings, and striving to live according to His example of love, compassion, and forgiveness. When Jesus is central to our priorities, we align our goals and ambitions with His kingdom, finding fulfillment in serving others and spreading His message of hope and redemption.

Conclusion
As we contemplate the lordship of Jesus Christ and the significance of Sabbath rest, let us respond with wholehearted surrender and obedience. May we embrace Jesus as both Savior and Lord of our lives, allowing His authority to consume every aspect of our being. We can do this by giving up our perception of control and finding rest in His sovereignty, and grace, as we discover true freedom, joy, and fulfillment in Him.
 
We are reminded that Jesus is not merely a Savior who extends forgiveness and salvation but also our Lord who reigns with authority and sovereignty. As we journey through life's complexities and challenges, let us continually acknowledge His lordship in all things. From the mundane tasks of daily life to the decisions that shape our present and futures, may we submit ourselves wholly to His will, recognizing His supreme authority over every aspect of our lives.
 
As we consider the significance of the Sabbath and our observance of it, let us approach this sacred time with reverence and gratitude. In the rhythm of rest and renewal that the Sabbath offers, may we find comfort in the presence of our Lord, experiencing His peace and restoration. Let us use this time not only to recharge our physical bodies but also to rejuvenate our spirits, drawing closer to God and embracing His purposes for our lives.
 
As we close, let us commit ourselves to living in obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ, finding fulfillment and joy in surrendering to His will. May we continually seek His presence, His guidance, and His grace, knowing that in Him, we find the fullness of life.

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