A man with an evil spirit (Mark 1: 21â28)
The first miracle recorded in Markâs Gospel takes place on the SabbathThe seventh day of the week and a day of rest for Jews (Shabbat is Friday sunset to Saturday sunset). Sunday is the day of rest for Christians. day in the town of Capernaum. It is an exorcism miracle as it involves the driving out of an evil spirit.
The spirit calls Jesus âGodâs holy messengerâ. This means that it recognised that Jesus was the MessiahThe word means âthe anointed oneâ. The Messiah is the one believed to be sent by God to be humanityâs saviour. Many Christians believe this person to be Jesus..
This miracle is an example of the contest between good and evil. Jesus showed he had authority over the evil spirit as he was able to drive the demon from the man with the authority of his words.
The Sabbath day
The Sabbath is an important day for the Jewish people.
At the time of Jesus Jews were very strict in following the Law of Moses. The third commandment states âkeep holy the Sabbath dayâ.
It is the one day when the whole family comes together to worship God in the synagogue. No work is allowed on this day.
Should a Christian never work on a Sunday?
| Arguments for | Arguments against |
| Christians should obey the commandments and keep holy the Sabbath day. God worked for six days and rested on the seventh â Christians should do the same. | As long as you take time to worship God it doesnât matter which day of the week it is. |
| Some people work on Sundays as a way of making extra money. This is putting money before God. | Some people have no choice but to work as their job involves saving lives, eg medical staff have to work Sundays. |
| Sunday is the Sabbath day for Christians â a day to worship and spend time with family. | Some people may have to work on a Sunday in order to provide for their family, they may have no other choice. |
| Arguments for | Christians should obey the commandments and keep holy the Sabbath day. God worked for six days and rested on the seventh â Christians should do the same. |
|---|---|
| Arguments against | As long as you take time to worship God it doesnât matter which day of the week it is. |
| Arguments for | Some people work on Sundays as a way of making extra money. This is putting money before God. |
|---|---|
| Arguments against | Some people have no choice but to work as their job involves saving lives, eg medical staff have to work Sundays. |
| Arguments for | Sunday is the Sabbath day for Christians â a day to worship and spend time with family. |
|---|---|
| Arguments against | Some people may have to work on a Sunday in order to provide for their family, they may have no other choice. |
| Arguments for |
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