Day 1 - Lord's Day - Sunday | Daily Devotions | The KJV Standard Lesson Commissary, 2025-2026 |

 May 24

Lesson 12 (KJV)

Christian Rhythms of Life

Devotional Reading: Ecclesiastes 2:20–25

Background Scripture: Jeremiah 31:12–13; Mark 2:18–28; 6:30–32; John 2:1–11

Mark 2:18–28

18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

19 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

21 No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.

22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

23 And it came to pass that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

25 And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?

26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?

27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

28 Therefore, the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Key Text

He said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.—Mark 2:27–28

Social Teachings of the Church

Unit 3: Fulfilling Our Obligations to God and Society

Lessons 9–13

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Summarize the significance of the Sabbath for a first-century audience.

2. Explain the diversity of Christian practices for fasting and Sabbath-keeping in light of the ministry of Jesus.

3. Make a plan to balance fasting and feasting, working and resting.

Lesson Outline

Introduction

A. Challenging Cherished Customs

B. Lesson Context: Fasting

C. Lesson Context: Sabbath

I. Question of Fasting (Mark 2:18–22)

A. Differing Practices (v. 18)

B. Fasting and Presence (vv. 19–20)

C. New and Old (vv. 21–22)

New Pot Needed?

II. Question of Sabbath (Mark 2:23–28)

A. Accusation (vv. 23–24)

B. Accommodation (vv. 25–26)

C. Account (vv. 27–28)

Tunnel Vision?

Conclusion

A. Centering Customs on Christ

B. Prayer

C. Thought to Remember

How to Say It

Abiathar	Ah-bye-uh-thar.
Ahimelech	A-him-uh-leck.
Isaiah	Eye-zay-uh.
Jeremiah	Jair-uh-my-uh.
Maccabees	Mack-uh-bees.
Sinai	Sigh-nye or Sigh-nay-eye.
tabernacle	tah-burr-nah-kul
Zadok	Zay-dok.

Introduction

A. Challenging Cherished Customs

Every culture has customs that are widely practiced and deeply respected. In the United States, for instance, many people enjoy flying the flag and watching fireworks displays on the Fourth of July. At Thanksgiving dinner, people anticipate eating dishes like turkey and mashed potatoes. A sudden shift in traditional expectations comes as a shock. For example, suggesting a quiet evening indoors for Independence Day feels strange. Likewise, anyone invited to a Thanksgiving meal might feel confused if they receive only rice and beans. As with all traditions, the details matter.

Jesus challenged people to rethink old customs in light of the new things God was doing. Some people interpreted His teachings as contentious or controversial. Our text today highlights two specific traditions: fasting and the Sabbath.

B. Lesson Context: Fasting

In the Old Testament, God required only one formalized day of fasting (abstaining from food) for all of Israel. He called it the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29–31; 23:26–32). Yearly, everyone in Israel was to observe the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of the seventh month (in late September or early October). On this day, the high priest sacrificed collectively for all the nation’s sins. His priestly act cleansed the people from impurity. The community participated through confession, prayer, and fasting.

Fasting was also associated with situations of grief, anxiety, or remorse. It was used in worship and preparation to draw near to God and to seek revelation, discernment, or help in overcoming temptation. Moses fasted for 40 days when he met God on Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). Soldiers fasted before entering battle (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6), the nation fasted at Saul’s death (31:12–13), and parents fasted in distress over the illness of a child (2 Samuel 12:16). All Israel fasted in repentance when they recommitted to God’s covenant ways and heard the Mosaic law read aloud in Jerusalem after exile (Nehemiah 9:1).

We see continued evidence of fasting as a spiritual discipline in the New Testament. The prophetess Anna used fasting as a part of her perpetual worship in the temple (Luke 2:36–37). Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights when the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness after His baptism (Matthew 4:2). The Pharisees were known for fasting twice weekly (Luke 18:12). Looking ahead to the practices of the early church, we see the apostles utilizing fasting in worship, for discernment, and when appointing elders (Acts 13:2; 14:23).

The passages of Matthew 9:14–17 and Luke 5:33–39 are parallels to today’s text on fasting.

C. Lesson Context: Sabbath

Sabbath observance began after Israel escaped from slavery in Egypt under the Pharaoh. The Law of Moses formalized the Sabbath as a commemoration of God’s rest after creation (Exodus 20:8–11; see lesson 10). As a liberated community, Israel learned a new pattern of healthy living, rewriting their mindset after being enslaved (Deuteronomy 5:15). Unlike other cultures of their time, God required His people to balance labor and toil with rest to reflect on His sovereignty. Their weekly rhythm required abstaining from work on the seventh day of every week. Obedience indicated reliance on God’s provision rather than human effort and achievement. Adherence to the imperative of Sabbath rest was a regular reminder of their dependence upon God.

As with fasting, observance of the Sabbath was formalized in various ways over time by different Jewish religious sects. A Jewish document called the Mishnah reflects the Pharisees’ views and traditions over centuries. It was compiled in the AD 200s and lists 39 prohibited categories of labor. As with fasting, the long-term result was a religious practice that was divorced from the attitude of one’s heart. What began as a careful attempt to define “work” became a weapon used against anyone who stepped over strictly marked boundaries. Well-intentioned efforts to prevent anyone from accidentally breaking the Sabbath commandment became an exercise in legalism.

Matthew 12:1–8 and Luke 6:1–5 are parallel passages to today’s lesson text on the Sabbath.

I. Question of Fasting

(Mark 2:18–22)

A. Differing Practices (v. 18)

What Do You Think? Do you look to the leadership, insight, and modeling of various religious teachers? Digging Deeper How might noting variations in faith and practice between Christian leaders enhance our depth of insight and understanding?

B. Fasting and Presence (vv. 19–20)

                                                                              C. New and Old (vv. 21–22)

 

What Do You Think? What is your first reaction to new concepts, traditions, and ideas? Digging Deeper What is it about newness that makes you excited or causes you to push back?

II. Question of Sabbath

(Mark 2:23–28)

A. Accusation (vv. 23–24)

 

What Do You Think? Do you think the Pharisees were “out to get” Jesus and His disciples? Explain. Digging Deeper Compare the Pharisees’ question in Mark 2:24 with other passages that respond to Jesus’ teaching and actions (e.g., Mark 2:6–12; 3:1–6; 3:22; 6:2–3).

B. Accommodation (vv. 25–26)

                                                                                 C. Account (vv. 27–28)

 

What Do You Think? What is more important, upholding the letter of the law or the spirit of the law? Digging Deeper In what circumstance would you disregard or disobey a rule for something you deem more important than that rule?

Conclusion

A. Centering Customs on Christ

Christians around the globe hold differing views on fasting and Sabbath-keeping. Their practices reflect tradition, doctrinal convictions, and/or personal choice.

Today’s lesson explains this variety: Jesus, unlike the Pharisees, did not present fixed rules about fasting or the Sabbath. Instead, He pointed to their intent and His authority and presence. He taught new ways of living in God’s kingdom, focusing on freedom and well-being rather than strict adherence to rules and regulations (compare Colossians 2:16). Jesus calls us to center our spiritual practices on Him as the source of life. God designed humans to follow cycles of work, rest, feasting, and fasting. Jesus, as our Lord, invites us to trust Him on this. His way offers rest from burdens, not additional weight (Matthew 11:28–30; 1 John 5:3). Life with Jesus presents opportunities for both celebration and mourning, with Scripture guiding us in what is appropriate at any given time (Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 5:2; 2 Corinthians 7:11). If our spiritual disciplines strengthen our dependence on Jesus, then they are beneficial, regardless of the specifics (Romans 14:22; 1 Corinthians 8:8).

Ultimately, the goal is not to find the perfect formula for any rhythm of life but to thrive in our relationship with Jesus. May He be the heartbeat, center, origin, and director of all we do.

B. Prayer

Heavenly Father, may we depend on You in every act of devotion and every rhythm of life. Whether we are feasting in joy or fasting in sadness, working or resting, may we keep our eyes fixed on You, our Lord and king. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember

Christ is Lord over the rhythms of our lives.

Involvement Learning

Enhance your lesson with KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).

 Jon Weatherly, Nadia Vermaak, and Connie Chandler, “Christian Rhythms of Life,” in The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2025–2026, ed. Taylor Z. Stamps et al., vol. 73, The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary (Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2026), 327–328.