Mark 2:28

Commentary on Mark 2:28

Mark 2:28 concludes a significant interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding the observance of the Sabbath. In this powerful declaration, Jesus asserts His ultimate authority, not just over the Sabbath law, but implicitly over all creation and religious ordinances.

Context and Setting

This verse follows an incident where Jesus' disciples were walking through grainfields on the Sabbath and began to pluck ears of grain to eat (Mark 2:23). The Pharisees, strict interpreters of the Mosaic Law, accused them of breaking the Sabbath, which they considered unlawful "work."

In His defense, Jesus first cited the Old Testament example of David, who, along with his men, ate the consecrated showbread from the house of God when they were hungry, which was ordinarily lawful only for priests (1 Samuel 21:1-6). This demonstrated that human need and mercy could, in certain circumstances, override ceremonial law. Jesus then declared in Mark 2:27, "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath." This foundational statement sets the stage for the climactic assertion in verse 28.

Key Themes and Messages

• Jesus' Divine Authority: The primary message of Mark 2:28 is Jesus' absolute authority over the Sabbath. He isn't merely offering a new interpretation of the law; He is declaring Himself to be the one who instituted the Sabbath, and therefore, its rightful Lord. This is a profound claim of His divinity and sovereignty.
• Purpose of the Sabbath: The Sabbath was intended as a blessing—a day of rest, refreshment, and worship for humanity's benefit, not a burdensome set of rigid rules. Jesus, as its Lord, perfectly embodies and fulfills this compassionate purpose.
• The "Son of Man": Jesus' self-designation as "the Son of man" is crucial. This title emphasizes both His humanity and His unique, divine authority, often pointing to His messianic role as depicted in Daniel 7:13-14. By using this title, Jesus links His human identity with His heavenly power and jurisdiction.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) was Jesus' most frequent self-designation. It is a rich theological term that points to His dual nature: His true humanity (being "of man") and His divine, pre-existent, and authoritative role as the heavenly figure described in Daniel's vision. When Jesus states He is "Lord also of the sabbath," it signifies not just a master of ceremonies, but one with ultimate jurisdiction and power over the very institution itself.

Practical Application

Mark 2:28 has significant implications for believers today:

1. Jesus is Lord Over All: This verse reminds us that Jesus' authority extends beyond religious rituals to every area of life. He is the ultimate authority, and His will should govern our understanding and practice of all divine commands.
2. Spirit Over Legalism: It challenges us to prioritize the spirit of God's law—love, compassion, and human flourishing—over rigid, legalistic interpretations that can become burdensome and devoid of true purpose.
3. Rest in Christ: The Sabbath was a foretaste of the spiritual rest found in Christ. As Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus invites us to find our ultimate rest, peace, and fulfillment in Him, rather than in adherence to external rules for their own sake.