Day 13 – What Jesus taught – Teaching on the Sabbath

“Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day.” Luke 4:31 NLT

The Synagogues in those days were also community centers where the Jews gathered to worship God and listen to interpretations of God’s word through the teachers and rabbis. It was the domain of the Pharisees, who saw themselves as champions of righteousness and self-proclaimed protectors of Jewish laws. But instead of serving people with scripture, they manufactured an ever-multiplying web of laws designed to exploit others and make themselves look good.

In those days, traveling teachers and rabbis were invited by the head of the Synagogue to teach on the Sabbath. At this point, Jesus’ ministry was young, but we know from scripture (Luke 2:21-52) that even as a young boy, Jesus possessed amazing knowledge and insight into the scriptures. Standing in front of these congregations, He would have grown even further in divine wisdom and knowledge. Though we do not know what Jesus taught in the Synagogues, Luke says further that 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.

Jesus did not only teach on one Sabbath, but several. Teaching (and learning) God’s Word on the Sabbath is fundamental. Many of us have been told (or believe) that it doesn’t matter what day we worship God, but Jesus made it a habit to teach on the Sabbath. He organized His life and travels with respect to this day.

Set the Sabbath apart for in-depth Bible study or to teach someone else about Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for showing us the importance of teaching and learning on the Sabbath and that You kept it sanctified to glorify God. Through Your example, You show how we can love others on the Sabbath by teaching them Your Word. Amen.