A New Sabbath – Detailed Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life
- Host/Author: Tim Keller
- Episode: A New Sabbath
- Release Date: May 26, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "A New Sabbath," Tim Keller delves into the profound teachings of Jesus regarding the Sabbath, exploring themes such as rest, idolatry, and the integration of faith with daily life. Drawing from Mark chapters 2 and 3, Keller unpacks the transformative message of the Gospel and its impact on our understanding of religious observance.
Scripture Context and Overview
Passage Studied: Mark 2:23–3:6
Keller begins by setting the stage with the scripture passage where Jesus faces criticism from the Pharisees for what they perceive as unlawful activities on the Sabbath. The two key incidents involve Jesus and His disciples picking heads of grain and healing a man with a shriveled hand.
Key Scripture Quote:
"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even of the Sabbath."
— Mark 2:27-28 [00:30]
Jesus' Anger Towards the Pharisees
Keller emphasizes the depth of Jesus' anger towards the Pharisees, describing it as "epic scale anger" and "deep distress." This intense emotion is not merely about the Sabbath violations but stems from the Pharisees' "stubborn hearts."
Notable Quote:
"He looked at them in anger, deeply distressed for their stubborn hearts."
— Tim Keller [01:15]
Analysis:
- Epic Scale Anger: Keller explains that the Greek word for anger used in the passage signifies a profound and overwhelming emotion, far beyond simple irritation.
- Distressed for Stubborn Hearts: This reflects Jesus' sorrow over the Pharisees' refusal to embrace the true purpose of the Sabbath and their rigid legalism.
The Purpose of the Sabbath vs. Pharisaical Legalism
Keller contrasts the intended purpose of the Sabbath—rest, restoration, and renewal—with the Pharisees' legalistic restrictions, which burdened it with numerous prohibitions.
Key Insights:
- Sabbath as a Gift: Jesus highlights that the Sabbath was created to benefit humanity, providing rest and rejuvenation.
- Pharisees' Burden: The Pharisees imposed at least 39 prohibitions on what could and couldn’t be done on the Sabbath, undermining its restorative purpose.
Notable Quote:
"The law was made for us, not us for the law. God's law was made for us, not us for the law."
— Tim Keller [05:45]
Explanation:
- Law as a Gift vs. a Chain: Keller elucidates that Jesus viewed the law as a means to thrive and find true fulfillment, not as a restrictive burden imposed by a tyrannical authority.
The Lie of the Serpent in Human Hearts
Keller connects the Pharisees' attitude towards the law with the fundamental human condition post-Genesis 3, where the serpent's deception instilled a belief that obeying God's law is inherently burdensome.
Key Points:
- Original Sin Impact: The serpent's lie convinced humanity that God's commands are restrictive, cultivating an attitude of distrust and burden.
- Universal Influence: This deceit affects every human response to moral laws, leading to either rebellion or legalistic compliance.
Notable Quote:
"Every single human response to moral norms, informed by the lie of the serpent, sees the law of God as a burden."
— Tim Keller [12:30]
The Unlikely Alliance of Pharisees and Herodians
Keller explores the unprecedented coalition between the Pharisees and Herodians, two groups traditionally opposed to each other, uniting against Jesus.
Historical Context:
- Pharisees: Religious leaders striving to preserve traditional Jewish laws against Hellenistic influences.
- Herodians: Supporters of secular Roman authority and the Herodian dynasty, promoting Hellenization.
Significance:
- Common Enemy: Both groups saw Jesus as a threat due to His challenge to their respective authorities and interpretations of the law.
- Extraordinary Alliance: As Morna Hooker notes, this collaboration underscores the profound threat Jesus posed to both religious and secular powers.
Notable Quote:
"An alliance between the Herodians and the Pharisees, two groups completely opposed to each other, is extraordinary. Mark shows us that Jesus was opposed by both religious authorities and the secular power who ordinarily hated each other to death."
— Tim Keller [15:20]
The Universal Impact of the Serpent's Lie on Responses to the Law
Keller argues that regardless of one's stance—whether rejecting, embracing, or legalistically adhering to God's law—all responses are tainted by the inherent mistrust instilled by the serpent's deception.
Spectrum of Responses:
- Rejection: Believing there is no absolute right or wrong.
- Selective Acceptance: Embracing some biblical teachings while rejecting others.
- Legalistic Compliance: Adding regulations in a misguided attempt to earn God's favor.
Thesis:
"Every single human response to moral norms or the law of God is informed by the lie of the serpent, treating the law as a burden rather than a gift."
— Tim Keller [20:10]
Jesus' Claim: Lord of the Sabbath and the Gospel Solution
At the heart of Keller's message is Jesus' radical claim of lordship over the Sabbath, redefining it in the context of His death and resurrection.
Key Points:
- Lordship Over the Sabbath: Jesus asserts His authority, indicating that true rest and fulfillment come through Him.
- Fulfillment of the Sabbath Purpose: By declaring "It is finished" on the cross, Jesus completes the work that the law could not, offering genuine rest.
Notable Quote:
"The Son of Man is Lord, even of the Sabbath."
— Mark 2:28 [00:30]
Solution Offered:
- Gospel as the True Rest: Keller explains that Jesus replaces traditional religious practices with Himself, offering complete rest from the burden of the law.
- Transformation Through the Gospel: Embracing Jesus leads to a heartfelt trust in God, moving away from legalistic or rebellious attitudes.
Supporting Illustration: Keller references Judith Shulemitz's article and the movie "Chariots of Fire" to illustrate the difference between working to prove oneself versus finding rest and worth in God.
Personal Application and Conclusion
Keller shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the transformation that comes from viewing God's law as a gift rather than a burden.
Personal Stories:
- Marriage: Embracing change requests from his wife as gifts rather than restrictions, enhancing their relationship.
- Adherence to Biblical Rules: Reflecting on his high school experience with strict biblical commands and how they later revealed their true, liberating purpose.
Final Insights:
- Christ Replaces Religion: Jesus embodies all aspects of the law—He is the temple, the priest, and the sacrifice, rendering traditional religious rituals unnecessary.
- Invitation to Rest: Keller invites listeners to find their true rest and fulfillment in Jesus, who has completed the work that humanity cannot achieve on its own.
Closing Quote:
"Religion says if you obey, then God has to accept you. But the Gospel says, because God has accepted you radically through the infinite cost to Himself, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ."
— Tim Keller [43:20]
Conclusion
In "A New Sabbath," Tim Keller masterfully unpacks the deeper meaning behind Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath, challenging both legalistic and rebellious attitudes towards God's law. He presents the Gospel as the ultimate solution, offering true rest and transformation through the lordship of Christ. This sermon encourages listeners to reconsider their relationship with religious observance, inviting them to embrace the liberating and fulfilling rest found in Jesus.
Notable Timestamps and Quotes:
- 00:30: Introduction of scripture and Jesus' authority over the Sabbath.
- 01:15: Description of Jesus' profound anger towards the Pharisees.
- 05:45: Emphasis on the law being a gift, not a burden.
- 12:30: The pervasive impact of the serpent's lie on human attitudes.
- 15:20: Exploration of the Pharisees and Herodians' extraordinary alliance.
- 20:10: Thesis on universal human responses to the law.
- 43:20: Contrasting religion with the Gospel's message of grace and fulfillment.
Additional Resources
- Book Mentioned: Tim Keller on the Christian Life by Matt Smethurst, which distills Keller's extensive teachings on foundational theological themes.
Closing Prayer: Keller concludes with a heartfelt prayer, asking for God's help in overcoming the lies that hinder true obedience and trust, ultimately fostering a deeper love and relationship with Him.
Join the Mission: Listeners are encouraged to support Gospel in Life's mission to spread the Gospel through partnerships, furthering the reach of Christ's love worldwide.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Tim Keller's "A New Sabbath" sermon, providing a detailed and engaging overview for those who have not listened to the original podcast episode.