Come, Follow Me

Matthew 12

What Does It Mean to Keep the Sabbath Day Holy?

Jesus and others in a grainfield

Through the Cornfields, by W. Paget © Providence Collection / licensed from Goodsalt.com

President Russell M. Nelson tells how, as a young man, he studied lists of things to do or not do on the Sabbath. He later learned from the scriptures that his actions and attitude on the Sabbath represented a sign between him and Heavenly Father (see Exodus 31:13).

He said: “With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, ‘What sign do I want to give to God?’” (“The Sabbath Is a Delight,” Liahona, May 2015, 130; emphasis in original).

Activity

Read Christ’s teachings about the Sabbath day in Matthew 12:1–13; see also Isaiah 58:13 and Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–13. Fill in the chart with the doctrinal principles you find in these teachings. As a family, discuss ways you could apply these teachings today. You can write your thoughts in the “Modern-Day Application” column.

Teachings of Jesus	Modern-Day Application

Discussion

As a family, consider President Nelson’s question, “What sign do I want to give to God?” and discuss what specific efforts you might make to “do well on the sabbath days” (Matthew 12:12).