A Day for All
Jesus made it clear that the Sabbath blessing was intended for all people, not just the Jews, when He said, “The sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27). Centuries earlier, the prophet Isaiah had explained that God always intended for the nations surrounding Israel to be introduced to the Sabbath, and then participate in its observance. He wrote, “Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to see him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keeps the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:6-7).