Sabbath School Summary
Sabbath: A Day of Freedom
Lesson 3
Memory Text: Mark 2:27

Memory Text: “And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath’ ” (Mark 2:27, NKJV).

SATURDAY: After creation, God rested and “created” rest. Thus, the Sabbath was set up by God as a memorial of creation. The holy pair were to lay aside every work to ponder about the love and power of God. Through nature, they were to acknowledge that there’s a Creator. It was not restricted to them only; it was pivotal in the life of the Israelites, and essential for us. The day depicts God’s grace & blessing.

SUNDAY: During their 40 years wandering in the wilderness, God wrought a miracle for the Israelites for them to trust in His provision, and for them to recognize that the Sabbath was a sacred day. God fell enough manna for the Israelites every day such that they never lacked. On the sixth day, a double quantity of manna fell for them to cater for that day & the Sabbath (Exod. 16:16-18; 2 Cor. 8:10-15).

MONDAY: The Sabbath day points to God as the Creator & Redeemer. He is the one who created us and redeemed us from sin on Calvary (Exod. 20:8-11, Deut. 5:12-15). God admonished Israel to “remember the Sabbath day”; He created them and redeemed them from slavery. By keeping the day holy, idolatry could not exist. The day is to be a blessing to us & others. It is a sign of spiritual salvation (Ezek. 20:12).

TUESDAY: Amongst all laws of the Decalogue, the Sabbath law is the most detailed one. It tells us “why, how, and who of remembering the Sabbath day”. The day is a symbol of equality; not only masters and their children, but also their maids & animals were to rest on that day (Exod. 20:8-11). The day is a day to be enjoyed by all—employer & employee, master & slave. Israel were not to cherish oppression.

WEDNESDAY: God made the Sabbath to offload men from their cares but not burden them. The Pharisees introduced human laws that made the day a burden. “Jesus stood up against such attitudes.” He made the Sabbath a day of healing. Though God made the Sabbath for our benefit, we should share the blessings with others (Matt. 12:9-13, Mark 1:21-26, 3:1-6, John 9:1-16, read WM, p. 77).

THURSDAY: In setting up the Sabbath day as a day of rest, God factored the needs of not only men & animals, but for lands also. Each 50th year (year of jubilee/Sabbath year), all lands were to have a rest in order to fallow for the year. The year also required all slaves to be freed and debts were to be annulled (Lev. 25:1-7, Exod. 21:1-11, Deut. 15:1-11). In obeying God, their needs were met (Matt. 6:32, 33).

FRIDAY: On every Sabbath, angels descend and ascend the ladder connecting heaven and earth to relieve men from affliction. Thus, men are thought the singular lesson of caring for others. Jesus used the Sabbath day to minister to other’s needs. We’re to witness God to others by manifesting His love to the poor and weak. The day is a day of blessing not a day of burden.

—Ellen G. White, “From the Red Sea to Sinai,” pp. 295-297, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “The Sabbath,” pp. 206, 207, 281-289, in The Desire of Ages; Sigve K. Tonstad, “The Social Conscience of the Seventh Day,” pp. 125-143, in The Lost Meaning of the Seventh Day.

Keywords

WM- Welfare Ministry

Captions

SUNDAY- Manna Enough
MONDAY- Two Reasons For Sabbath
TUESDAY- A Day Of Equality
WEDNESDAY- A Day Of Healing
THURSDAY- Sabbath Rest For The Land

Discussion Questions

📌 In what ways have you experienced the Sabbath as a demonstration of your trust in God? Have you had a manna-like experience in your life, where God has provided in response to your trust in Him? If so, share it with the class and tell them what you have learned.

📌 As we have seen in the fourth commandment as found in Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15, God emphasized different aspects of Sabbath. What is the one aspect of Sabbath that you most appreciate?

📌 In class or individually, brainstorm some ways you can share the blessings and benefits of the Sabbath in your community.

📌 What are some of the ways the Sabbath changes your life? Are there other parts of your life in which the patterns and principles of the Sabbath should have a greater impact?

Entire Lesson Summary

God gave the Sabbath as a way of remembering Creation and Redemption, but it also has many practical benefits. It teaches us to trust in God’s provision for us; it teaches us to practice equality; and it can become a spiritual discipline that can transform all our relationships. Jesus demonstrated His ideal for the Sabbath by healing the sick and emphasizing the Sabbath as a day to benefit those in need.

For July 13-19. Happy Sabbath.

—Michael

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