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Reframing Rest: A Sabbath Framework

Senior Pastor Jeff Maness
November 17, 2024

The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. —Mark 2:27

Big Idea: There is no formula to make the Sabbath work for you, but there is a framework that leads to success.

Big Question: What is the framework of Sabbath?
Main Scripture: Matthew 11:28-12:14


What is the framework of Sabbath?
1. Whatever is restful and restorative

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” —Matthew 11:28-30


What is the framework of Sabbath?
1. Whatever is restful and restorative
2. Whatever causes delight

But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ 8 For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” —Matthew 12:7-8

In Hebrew, the word “shabbat” can also be translated “delight.”

Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. 14 Then the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken! —Isaiah 58:13-14

Sabbath isn’t eternity, but it’s close. It’s a kind of precinct of heaven. A well-kept Sabbath is a dress rehearsal for things above. In finding the rest of God now, we prepare for the fullness of God one day. —Mark Buchanan

What is the framework of Sabbath?
1. Whatever is restful and restorative
2. Whatever causes delight
3. Whatever is worshipful

And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! —Matthew 12:11-13

“Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him. —Mark 3:4

  1. Lighting of Sabbath candles (Exodus 20 & Deuteronomy 5)
  2. Sleep (Sleep in, take a nap. Sleep in and take a nap.)
  3. Spend time alone with God with no time limit. (Scripture, prayer, worship)
  4. Spend time alone in the quiet – shut off the noise. (Screens)
  5. Spend time with family or close friends (especially if you’re an extrovert). Play games.
  6. Eat good food (feasting).
  7. Watch a good movie, TV show, or sporting event. (Try & limit how much of this, but also what kind of entertainment you are receiving.)
  8. Read (The same filter used for entertainment should be used for reading.)
  9. Go for a slow walk – get outside for an activity or do something that brings delight to your soul.
  10. Spend time thanking God for all He’s done, all He’s made, and all He’s given you, instead of pursuing more or dreaming about what you don’t have.

❤️ If you have decided to follow Jesus today, we’d like to celebrate with you and help you with some next steps. Please text LIFE to 855-725-2939 or click here.

Resources for this Series

Books -
🔹 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
🔹 Subversive Sabbath by AJ Swoboda
🔹 Sabbath by Dan Allender
🔹 The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan
🔹 The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel
🔹 Addicted to Busy by Brady Boyd
🔹 Sabbath Resistance by Walter Bruggeman
🔹 Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva Dawn

Online Resources -
🔹 Click here for Jeff and Sabrina’s Podcast - The Naked Party Time Podcast - Episodes 010, 011, 027, 040, 059

🔹 Click here for The Sabbath Practice by Practicing the Way

🔹 Click here for The Sabbath Podcast series on the John Mark Comer Teachings Podcast (July 5, 2024 - August 2, 2024 episodes)

🔹 Click here for a free Sabbath ebook from Pete Scazzero and Emotionally Healthy Spirituality