Remember the Sabbath
Exodus 20:8-11 | Leader & Student Information

Tyler Bowles • Associate Pastor
October 21, 2026

2 Minute Read
Week 5 Devotional
Scripture

Lesson Summary

God created a good world and rested after His completed work. People were made for life in His presence, but human rebellion brought painful toil, death, and separation from the garden. Our deepest need for rest reaches beyond a less busy schedule: we need to be brought back to God.

After rescuing Israel from slavery, God commanded His people to stop their ordinary work every seventh day. That rest included their households, servants, visitors, and animals. Sabbath, sabbatical years, and Jubilee pointed towards trust in God's provision, freedom, and restoration. Jesus taught that the Sabbath was made for people's good and declared Himself Lord of it.

Jesus invites weary people to come to Him for rest for their souls. Through His death and resurrection, He brings sinners into relationship with God. We receive His rest by faith while awaiting its fullness. We can also make time to stop, remember God, and enjoy our Maker, Saviour, and King without turning rest into another burden.


Small Group Questions

Understanding the Passage
  1. What do you usually do when you want to rest? Does it leave you refreshed, distracted, or something else?
  2. Why might it be hard to stop being busy, even when you are tired? What would trusting God look like then?
  3. How could rest help you remember and enjoy God rather than simply fill time?
  4. Jesus said the Sabbath was made for people. How could we turn a good gift from God into a burden or competition?
  5. Read Matthew 11:28-30. What might make someone hesitate to bring their burdens to Jesus?
  6. What do His words show about how He receives us?
  7. What is the difference between taking a break and trusting Jesus for forgiveness and rest for your soul?
  8. What practical change could help you make time to rest and remember God this week? Who could help you follow through?
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