We
are now at the second checkpoint of Luke
23:56. It is set within the context of the
burial and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in Luke
23:50-24:1.
This verse is about having Sabbath
rest after the burial of Jesus. It
signifies the truth that rest follows right after the redemptive work of
Jesus. It also marked the end of trying
to be justified through the keeping of the Law because no man can be justified
by the works of the Law. This is
categorically stated in Romans
3:20, Galatians
2:16, and Galatians
3:11. Thereafter, salvation is strictly by faith in the redemptive work
of Jesus of Nazareth because the Law has been made obsolete as stated in Hebrews
8:13. This is also an example of
how the Law was like a tutor that leads us to Christ as stated in Galatians
3:24. The third commandment to
keep the Sabbath day holy pointed to the completion of the redemptive work by
Christ crucified.
Thereafter, salvation by works is
forbidden, as a manner of speaking.
We are saved by grace, in that
salvation is a gift from God given as a result of the redemptive work of Jesus
of Nazareth. We receive that gift
through faith in His redemptive work and not through our own efforts. It brings to mind what Jesus said in Mark
2:27, “The Sabbath was
made for man, not man for the Sabbath”.
In the light of what we have just discussed, that verse would mean that
redemption or salvation is a gift for men.
Men cannot earn, merit or deserve it.
In essence, Sabbath points to the gracious gift of salvation.
Therefore,
the tenet of Luke 23:56 is:
“Sabbath rest after the burial of Jesus of
Nazareth”
Comments
Post a Comment