John 5:17

My Father worketh hitherto, and. work.

The answer of Jesus to his accusers goes to the very root of the matter. The basis on which the Sabbath rested was that God had ceased his creative labors on the seventh day. Jesus shows that God's rest was not idleness. His government, providence, and direction of nature were not suspended on the seventh day, or ever since creation. The Father had continued his works of love and mercy. He worked in these works right on till Jesus came; "now," says the Son, "I work as my Father works. There is no suspension on the Sabbath of works of benevolence and mercy." The Father's example is the pattern given to direct man. By this example the work of love is never. violation of the true Sabbath law. Comparing with Matthew 12:8 and Mark 2:27, we deduce as the Savior's teaching:

1. The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath; above it; can modify or change it at his will.

2. It was made for man; for all men; for the poor, the bond as well as the free. What helps man is lawful on the Sabbath.

3. The Father's example is the true rule. He worked right on, but with. change of work. Work, like his, to help and bless humanity, is proper. It is rest that should be activity;. change from secular toil for our own interests, to work for the benefit of man. There is rest by. change of work to. higher kind of activity.