Title: The Need For Sabbath
Texts: Exodus 20:8-10, Matt. 3:13-17, Psalm 116:7, Matthew 11:28-30
Reflection Questions:
Read Psalm 116:7. Begin with silence, meditating on a word or phrase from that verse.
How would you define Sabbath based on Exodus 20:8-11 and on the message from Sunday? How is this definition different or the same from what you have grown up thinking about Sabbath?
The speaker talked about how the Israelites were coming out of slavery and how their entire worth and value while slaves came from what they produce. How do you think the first hearers of this commandment, coming out of that context, would have felt about this? What would have been good news? What would have been challenging?
What are the kinds of things people in our world “produce” that they feel like gives them value? Why is it hard to stop doing those things for 1 day out of 7?
How do you feel about God saying about Jesus, “This is my son with Him I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:13-17) BEFORE Jesus had done any ministry?
Apparently God says that we have value BEFORE we do anything. We have value because we were created by Him, in His image, because we are us. Why do you think this might be challenging for some people to hear and believe? If it is true that you have value – period, then how might that change how we view our work and what we do? How we view ourselves? How we view others?
The speaker said, “Slaves don’t get to rest, but sons and daughters do.” What do you think this means?
What makes it difficult to take a Sabbath for you? What do you think it would change if you prioritized it? How might it “renew” you?
Close in prayer. Read Matthew 11:28-30. As you pray, name where you need rest and what burdens you need to lay at His feet.
Daily Reading
In this second week of our Renew Series on Sabbath, we are covering some passages that lay out the heart of Sabbath Rest.
Each day before reading take a moment to read Psalm 116:7. And at the conclusion of the reading, hear Jesus’ invitation to rest in Him from Matthew 11:28-30
Monday: Psalm 116:7; Exodus 20:8-10; Matthew 11:28-30
Tuesday: Psalm 116:7; Deuteronomy 5:13-15; Matthew 11:28-30
Wednesday: Psalm 116:7; Psalm 46; Matthew 11:28-30
Thursday: Psalm 116:7; Exodus 14:10-18; Matthew 11:28-30
Friday: Psalm 116:7; Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 11:28-30