Most Christians know Mary the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. But in the gospel story of the cross and the empty tomb, another woman quietly appears—Mary, the mother of James (Mark 15:40; Matthew 27:56). She was at the cross, saw Jesus laid in the tomb, and returned with the women early on Sunday morning to find the stone rolled away.
Her quiet devotion gives us a lens for understanding something many believers overlook: the meaning and purpose of the Sabbath.
The Sabbath Is Holy to the Lord
The fourth commandment is clear: “The seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:10).
The Sabbath was never meant to be just a rest day, a family day, or a catch-up day. It was to be set apart as holy to God. Mary and the other women understood this. Luke tells us: “They rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment” (Luke 23:56). Even in their grief, they chose to honor God’s day.
Jesus and the Sabbath’s Purpose
Jesus taught: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).
The Sabbath was never intended as a burden of endless rules. It was God’s gift—a day of worship, renewal, and freedom.
The resurrection on the first day of the week changed everything. Christians now worship on Sunday to celebrate Christ’s victory and the new creation He began. But the principle of Sabbath rest and devotion to God still matters.
Keeping the Sabbath Holy Today
Mary, the mother of James, reminds us that faith is often lived out in quiet obedience. Her life invites us to consider what Sabbath means for us today.
- Dedicate the day to God. Worship is central, but the whole day should reflect His holiness.
- Rest in His presence. Sabbath rest is trusting God, not just stopping work.
- Live differently from the culture. Ask: “Would this activity honor the Lord?”
Sunday is more than just another day. How we treat it reveals how much we value God Himself.
A Challenge for Reflection
- What difference would it make if you dedicated Sunday entirely to God?
- Are there things you do on Sundays that might dishonor Him? What would change if you brought those choices to Him?
The Sabbath is more than a pause. It is a declaration of faith—proclaiming who God is and whose we are.
Next Week’s Preview
Next week we’ll look at the courage of Shiphrah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives who feared God more than man.
Until next time—get wisdom and pursue truth.
Blessings,
Steve