Expert: Hoyt Roberson - 1/14/2012

Question
Mark 2:27 Was Sabbath made for man Jews or for everyone all mankind?

Answer
Hello, Qhelisa

The context of this verse does not consider whether the Sabbath was made for Jews or all men. The teaching point here is that there are higher considerations when it comes to keeping whatever rules we find ourselves with.

In this case, the needs of men take precedence over blind rule keeping.

The problem was that folks had done something that others thought violated the Sabbath rule. Rather than discussing whether they did or not, the answer here yields the argument, allowing that perhaps they did violate a rule. However, even if they did violate a rule, this verse teaches that if you're hungry or in need or have an emergency, it is acceptable to address that need even on the Sabbath.

We could re-write the verse to read, "the rest of the Sabbath is for the benefit of people, not something into which they are forced to fit the exigencies of their lives." We are supposed to rest, not worry about being constrained by a rule.

The Sabbath is something given to people as a period of re-creation and rest. Even from a human psychological perspective, taking time off work is a positive and healthy thing to do. The rule for the Sabbath was incorporated into the Law of Israel specifically. As part of that Law, it was meant only for Israel as their law. However, the principles in the Law have always been applicable to all people. It isn't just because Israel was Israel that they were told to not murder. No, murder is wrong for everyone as we can see by extension when God rehearses the terrible behavior of Israel's neighbors.

However, as a Law, the specifics of the Law are no longer applicable to people, having completed it's work of leading people to Christ. The principles of the Law, like not committing murder are still valid but not as Law. Rather we don't murder because we have transformed hearts which love rather than hate; that are open rather than defensive.

The principle of the Sabbath, of taking a break and remembering God and his mercies, is still valid. However, the specific day we do this, and the things we do and don't do are not mandated.