Remember the Sabbath

The Story

Read Exodus 20:8-11.

Ideas for discussion

1. Keeping the Sabbath has always been an important concept in Judaism and Christianity. In the Old Testament, the children of Israel were taught not to do any work on the Sabbath day.
2. When the Lord came on earth, He expanded people’s concept of the Sabbath by His words and example. He healed many people on the Sabbath day and gleaned wheat for His hungry disciples. The Lord also went to synagogues to read the Word and teach people on the Sabbath.
3. The teachings of the New Church give us further insight into how we should keep the Sabbath. It is a day for instruction about the Lord and His teachings, for thinking about our spiritual lives, for being kind to our neighbors.
4. Think about the various things the Lord did on the Sabbath. How does this help us figure out the meaning of the commandment to “remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy”? (See Luke 4:16 and Matthew 12:11 for two examples of things the Lord did while on earth.)
5. What are some ways that we can look to the Lord and help other people on Sundays or on any day of the week?
6. Consider these words written by Kurt Horigan Asplundh: “We keep the Sabbath holy when, at any time, in any situation, we act from the Lord’s will instead of from our own. In essence, what is taught about the Sabbath has no relation to a day or to any time, but to a state of mind. To remember the Sabbath day is to acknowledge the goodness of the Lord, to recognize that the Lord alone is the source of all that is good and to trust that He is the way, the truth, and the life.”

Read more about keeping the Sabbath day

• “Keeping the Sabbath” by Kurt H. Asplundh (ages 18 and up)
  The true Sabbath is a spiritual state of peace. It is found in those fleeting but comforting moments when our confidence in the Lord is affirmed.
• “Resting in the Lord” by Walter E. Orthwein (ages 18 and up)
  Remembering the Sabbath means remembering the Lord. When we observe the Sabbath through worship or reading the Word, we open our minds to Him.
• "Remember the Sabbath" by Alfred Acton (ages 7-14)
  Obeying this commandment involves worshiping the Lord, learning His teachings, trying to follow Him, and having good will toward others all day long. He also wants us to enjoy the day.

Projects and activities for various ages

• Make a Sabbath Collage (ages 4 and up)
  Make pictures to illustrate the way you would like to spend the Sabbath. Arrange these as a collage or poster to remind you of your ideas about "the perfect Sabbath."
• Prayers for Children on Keeping the Sabbath
  Three short prayers for children, looking toward having peace and happiness in our lives.
• Family Praying Coloring Page
  Lovely illustration of a family kneeling before an altar with the open Word.
• For Reflection: A Perfect Sabbath (ages 6 and up)
  Think about ways to look to the Lord and also get some rest and recreation as you celebrate the Sabbath day.
• Who Works on the Sabbath? (ages 8-14) 
  (The Lord demonstrated that we should not hesitate to help our neighbors on the Sabbath. What are some of the jobs that need to be done every day of the week?)
• The Sabbath Is a Time for... (ages 4 and up)
  Try to think of one word or phrase for each letter in the word Sabbath.
• Realizing the Potential of the Sabbath (ages 7 and up)
  Look at ways that you can make better use of the Sabbath day.

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