Jesus didn’t just teach with exhortation, he taught with example. So, if you want the life of Jesus, you will have to practice the life-style of Jesus.

What comes to mind when you think of the word “sabbath?”

Sabbath is a rhythm of life that is built into the fabric of creation.

In what ways do you see that creation needs a break?

On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. —Genesis 2:2–3 (NLT)

Why would God declare this day “holy” rather than “good” (as on the other days)?

Our souls need rest to be their best.

Our souls are not designed to flourish at the kind of pace we have normalized in our society.

What most easily saps the joy of our soul?

1. Sabbath is a command to take a break.

We can take a break of striving for one day because we know that the day does not depend upon us. God is in control. And since God is in control, we can relax for a day.

What peace does it give you that God cares enough to require you to take a break?

2. Sabbath is an opportunity to replenish.

Sabbath isn’t just about stopping everything. It is about stopping striving so that you can fill up and enjoy our labor.

And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. —Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NLT)

What activities replenish your soul?

3. Sabbath is a time to remember.

A forgetful soul is a restless soul.

What are we meant to remember in Sabbath?

4. Sabbath is a form of resistance.

Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there by his great power and strength. So the Lord your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day. —Deuteronomy 5:15 (NCV)

Why is important for us to remember to not be slaves anymore?

Consider these 4 take aways this week.
- Make worshiping with the saints a priority each week (Jesus did)
- Be intentional about being off work.
- Make space every week to do something that fills your cup.
- Create tech-free times and zones.