Jesus accepted an invitation to eat bread with one of the chief Pharisees on the Sabbath day; thus we see that He did not abstain from social intercourse on the day of rest. The Jews were most particular in buying and preparing beforehand the best food for the Sabbath day, in order to do it honour. An old writer, in alluding to this, says, “The Sabbath should not be a day of austerity. The most nutritive food should be procured, if possible, that both body and soul may feel the influence of this Divine appointment, and give God the glory of His grace. On this blessed day let every man eat his bread with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God. If the Sabbath be a festival, let it be observed unto the Lord; and let no unnecessary acts be done.” It was whilst partaking of the chief Pharisee’s hospitality that another suffering man came under the notice of the Great Physician, and was healed, and sent away rejoicing on the Sabbath day. In like manner, the impotent man, who had been thirty-eight years helpless, was bidden to take up his bed and walk. With the command came the power to obey, and “the same day was the Sabbath.” What have we learned from these glimpses of Jesus on the day of rest? Surely that it was a happy day which included attendance at public worship, the study of the Scriptures, the teaching of them to others, healthful outdoor exercise, indoor social intercourse, and the acceptance of hospitality, together with the instant seizure of every opportunity for good doing. There is no trace of gloom in connection with the Sabbaths of Jesus. So you and I, dear ones, when in God’s house, can say, “Coming here regularly, I follow Christ’s example.” If teaching the little ones of the flock, “My master taught in the synagogue. In my humble way I can pass on to those younger than myself the lessons He gave. I can work no miracle of healing, but, if the mind is in me that was in Christ, I can and I will make some poor sufferer’s Sunday the brighter for my presence and my help.” If I am walking by the way, or a guest at the table of another, my conduct shall be in harmony with the day. I will neither act nor speak so that I should be ashamed to think, “My Master knows the thoughts of my heart, and has heard my words and seen my actions.”