WEEK 2 – The Sabbath: Rest with Purpose

How do you usually spend your weekends, and what’s your favorite way to rest?

Quote for Reflection

“Sabbath is a gift of time in which we remember that we belong to God.” – Walter Brueggemann

Encourage brief, personal sharing.

SOAP UP

S – SCRIPTURE

Read the following passages together:

• Genesis 2:1–3
• Exodus 20:8–11
• Luke 23:54–56, 24:1
• John 14:15

Ask: “Which of these verses stood out most to you and why?”

O – OBSERVATION (What does it say?)

Guided questions for reflection:

1. What do the verses in Genesis reveal about God’s original purpose for the Sabbath?
2. How does the command in Exodus emphasize the importance of remembering the Sabbath?
3. What do the Luke passages show us about Jesus and the Sabbath—even in His death?
4. How does John 14:15 connect Sabbath-keeping with love?

True (t) or False to Note (f): Circle Answer

• Sabbath was made at Creation—not after sin ( t / f )
• It is not only a command but a blessing and invitation. ( t / f )
• Jesus Himself rested on the Sabbath in life and in death. ( t / f )
• Keeping the Sabbath is a loving response, not legalism. ( t / f )

A – APPLICATION (What does it mean to me?)

Let the group reflect and share:

• How do I view the Sabbath—burden, tradition, or delight?
• In what ways can I keep the Sabbath more meaningfully?
• What distractions keep me from truly resting with God?

Challenge: This Sabbath, unplug from devices for a few hours. Go for a walk, spend time with God, or do something that brings peace and renewal.

P – PRAYER (Let’s talk to God)

Suggestions:

• Thank God for giving you rest from the pressures of school, social life, and self.
• Ask God to help you experience Sabbath as a joy, not a rule.
• Pray for clarity in your priorities so you don’t miss your divine appointments.

End in group prayer or in pairs.

5 Questions Students Might Ask (with Biblical Answers)

1. “Why do you still keep the Sabbath? Isn’t that just for Jews?”
Genesis 2:2–3 – God rested and blessed the seventh day at creation, before there were Jews.
Mark 2:27–28 – “The Sabbath was made for man…”
Answer: The Sabbath was created at the beginning for all humanity, not just the Jews. It’s a gift of rest from the Creator to all His children.

2. “Isn’t the Sabbath outdated? We live in a 24/7 world now.”
Exodus 20:8–11 – “Remember the Sabbath day…”
Isaiah 58:13–14 – “If you call the Sabbath a delight…”
Answer: Far from outdated, the Sabbath is a radical reminder that our worth isn’t based on productivity. God designed it to reconnect us with Him and each other—even more needed in our busy world.

3. “Didn’t Jesus break the Sabbath?”
Matthew 12:12 – “It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
John 5:17 – “My Father is always at his work… and I too am working.”
Answer: Jesus never broke the Sabbath law—He broke human traditions added to it. He showed the Sabbath is about healing, doing good, and honoring God.

4. “Isn’t every day holy? Why emphasize one day?”
Ezekiel 20:12, 20 – “I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign…”
Hebrews 4:9 – “There remains a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.”
Answer: While every day is a gift, the seventh-day Sabbath is a specific appointment with God—set apart and blessed. It’s His chosen sign of our relationship with Him.

5. “Is keeping the Sabbath a form of legalism or salvation by works?”
John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
1 John 5:3 – “His commands are not burdensome.”
Answer: Sabbath-keeping is not about earning salvation—it’s a response of love. We obey not to be saved, but because we are saved.