It was against the Jewish law to gather grain on the Sabbath, so when the Pharisees saw Jesus' disciples plucking and eating as they walked through the fields they complained, ®Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath.® (Matthew 12:2)
Jesus reminded them, ®The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. [For I am] the Lord also of the sabbath.® (Mark 2:27)
From the very beginning, God gave His children the gift of the Sabbath day, a time each week to draw closer to his Son by leaving behind the cares of the world. Too often, we become like the Pharisees, so focused on the do's and don'ts that we forget not only the gift, but also the Giver.
This painting reminds us to keep the Sabbath day holy. Through heartfelt preparation and meaningful worship we can give gratitude for the Lord's Day and always remember that Jesus Christ is truly the Lord of the Sabbath. (Mark 2:28)
