While he was going through a field of grain on a Sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. 2 Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” 3 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those [who were] with him were hungry? 4 [How] he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions.” 5 Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
The Law permitted taking what was necessary for sustenance without stealing, recognizing that human life and need take priority over ritual restrictions (Deut. 23:25). Technically, the disciples were not breaking the law; they were fulfilling a human need. Similarly, David and his companions, hungry and in urgent need, were allowed to eat the consecrated bread, which only priests were ordinarily permitted to eat (1 Sam. 21:1-6).
Jesus cited this story and then declared, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath” (v.5). This shows that the Sabbath, and the Law more broadly, exists to serve life, mercy, and human need—not to be a burden or a tool for legalistic judgment.
This short passage reveals a profound truth about Jesus’ authority and the meaning of God’s law. The Sabbath, a day set aside by God for rest and worship, was intended to serve human need and help people grow closer to Him. Over time, some religious leaders emphasized strict rules, sometimes forgetting that God’s law is meant to protect life, not hinder it.
By citing David and claiming lordship over the Sabbath, Jesus emphasizes authority and purpose over mere rule-following. Human need can rightly take precedence over ritual observance. He shows that the Sabbath exists to serve life, not to impose unnecessary burden. In declaring Himself “Lord of the Sabbath,” Jesus reveals that He alone, as both Son of God and true man, can fully interpret God’s law because He perfectly knows God’s will and human need.
The passage reminds us that faith is not a list of burdensome rules but a call to live in harmony with God’s plan for life and love. The Sabbath, and all of life, is an opportunity to do good, serve others, and grow in freedom and communion with God. Observing the law is never meant to replace mercy, compassion, or care for human need.
Even today, this teaching calls Christians to examine how we follow God’s commands. Rules, traditions, and religious observances are important, but they are meant to serve life and love. When we imitate Jesus by choosing mercy, service, and care for others, we honor the true spirit of God’s law. Each day offers an opportunity to choose life, mercy, and service over rigid rule-following, and Christ promised that the merciful will receive mercy and that the measure we use for others will be the measure used for us (Mt. 5:7; 7:2).
Lord Jesus, you are truly the Son of God and man. Help us to follow your example, understanding the true purpose of your commands. Give us the wisdom to choose mercy over rigidity, love over legalism, and life over dead formality. Teach us to honor your law in the way that brings life to others and draws us closer to you. Amen.
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Sources and References:
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011), Lk. 6:1-5; Deut. 23:25; 1 Sam. 21:1-6; Mt. 5:7; Mt. 7:2.
- A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, ed. Bernard Orchard et al. (1953).
- The Navarre Bible: Luke, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. José Enrique Aguilar Chiu et al. (2018).
- St. John Chrysostom (c. 349-407), Homilies on Luke.
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