Table Talk: Sharing Food, Time, and Jesus with People “Snacks & Theology” (Billy Russell, 06/16/19)

Table Talk: Sharing Food, Time, and Jesus with People
“Snacks & Theology” (Luke 6:1-5)

Happy Father’s Day! We share some meals are around the table, but some are on the go! One day Jesus & the disciples were walking, got hungry, picked and ate grain-heads on the Sabbath. This led the Pharisee’s to question Jesus’ keeping of the Law. Jesus uses the occasion to share about who He is and what He is doing. Who knew a snack could pack such a theological punch?!

Some background on the Sabbath and why it matters (Ex.20:8-11):
The 4th commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it
holy” (v.8).
What is the Sabbath? It is the 7th day, a day of rest for relationship and
reflection (vv.9-11).
How is the Sabbath kept holy? By not working on the Sabbath (v.10).
What does not working on the Sabbath look like in Jesus’ day? It
includes not harvesting grain according to the Pharisees (6:1-2).

Jesus reorients what it looks like to keep the heart of the Law (6:3-4).
Jesus recalls a heroic story of OT faith-life (David, 1 Sam.21:1-6).
Jesus’ rationale clarifies and justifies their actions on the Sabbath.

Jesus changes their picture of who Messiah is (6:5; cf. Dan.7:13-14)!
What does Jesus mean when He pronounces: “The Son of Man is Lord
of the Sabbath” (v.5)?
Jesus turns the conversation: Whoever is Lord runs the Sabbath!
Jesus’ focus is on relationship and mission.

Questions for 21st century consideration and application:
What should our relationship be with keeping the Sabbath holy?
Better question: What is your relationship with “Lord of the Sabbath”?
When you tell your story, do people see Jesus differently?
Can people tell the authority of Jesus holds sway over you?

Bottom line: Jesus is Lord! Your relationship with him matters most.