Again Christ reiterated the truth that the sacrifices were in themselves of no value. They were a means, and not an end. Their object was to direct men to the Saviour, and thus to bring them into harmony with God. It is the service of love that God values. When this is lacking, the mere round of ceremony is an offense to Him. So with the Sabbath. It was designed to bring men into communion with God; but when the mind was absorbed with wearisome rites, the object of the Sabbath was thwarted. Its mere outward observance was a mockery.

Atter gentog Kristus denne sandhed, at ofre ikke har noget værd i sig selv. De er et middel og ikke et formål. Formålet var at føre mennesker til Frelseren og således skaffe dem fred med Gud. Det er kærlighedens tjeneste, som betyder noget for Gud. Når denne mangler, så er de rent rutinemæssige ceremonier en krænkelse af ham. På samme måde med sabbatten. Det var hensigten med den at bringe mennesker i samfund med Gud; men hvis sindet var opfyldt af trættende ritualer, blev sabbattens betydning modarbejdet. Den rent ydre overholdelse af den var en hån imod den.