Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down.–John 19:31
When I read this passage, the thought comes to mind: How thoughtful of them.
Of course I say this with great sarcasm. The Jewish Pharisees were so caught up in the law, they couldn’t see God. They seemed to be so worried about breaking God’s Law while at the very same time they were murdering God Himself; how ironic.
I also notice how callused they were in the way they said break the legs of these men so they will go ahead and die and therefore we won’t offend God. A little late for that don’t ya think?
Keeping these things in mind, let’s look at what Jesus had said previously about the Sabbath:
27 Then He told them, "The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." –Mark 2:27-28
I know I have been pretty sarcastic up to this point, and I believe rightly so, but there is a point I want to make.
What “religious thing” do we put before God?
Is it the Sabbath? Is it communion? Is it a clean church building? Honoring our pastor? Building membership? Wearing the finest clothes? Looking forlorn?
Keeping the riff raff out of the church?
When we place anything above God, or His will, we lower ourselves to the level of these Pharisees. They were so caught up in appearances and upholding the “Law,” they completely missed everything Jesus (and the prophets) had ever taught. They loved “Religion” instead of God.
I pray we wouldn’t make this same mistake. Let “NOTHING” come before God.
If you are questioning your motives, read 1 John, chapters 1-5. This is a very short book and well worth the little amount of time it takes to read it.
May our Lord (even of the Sabbath) and Savior Jesus Christ make Himself known to you in a new and exciting way and reveal those things that are truly important.
God bless~
