Matthew 12 Lord of the Sabbath

Jesus walks through some grainfields with His disciples on the Sabbath, and they pick some grain and rub the grain in their hands to be able to eat the kernels as a snack. According to rabbinic law, that was technically defined as "work." (12:2) Jesus' reply contains a phrase that has fascinated me and left me a little confused. His conclusion is, "For the Son of Man is Lord (master), even of the Sabbath." (12:8)

In the last few chapters, watching Jesus' life through the lens of worship, I see Jesus demonstrating that He is master of the wind, of the waves, of disease, and of demons. He has taught as one having authority. He is Lord. Now He claims that He even has authority over the Sabbath itself. The Law, the Tabernacle, the people, and all of nature exists to glorify Him! So the Sabbath was made for people to renew balance and rest and dedicate a day to the Lordship of God in their lives. Now Jesus becomes the fulfillment of that very principle. That's either audacious blasphemy, or He is God! Lord of the Sabbath! That means that He has authority to say what is permissible to do on the Sabbath day, or that He is the only rightful autocrat in the universe!

There is a story about three umpires, who were talking about their confidence in making calls. "I call'um like I see'um," says the first. The second is more confident: "I call 'em like they is," he says. The third says, "They ain't until I calls 'em!" Now, that's confident authority! But that's the kind of authority Jesus has; He is Lord, even of the Sabbath!

LORD, I praise You for being the One who is above creation, above the Law, above my weakness or righteousness or doubting or faith. You are Lord. Master. I submit to Your Lordship willingly, gladly, and totally.
-ker