I put this out for consideration.
Having been a Sabbath KEEPER for decades (but no longer), While this passage has immediate implications for the hearers of Jesus (as others have pointed out) there is some aspect that may apply to others today as Jesus' disciples. Some who may still OBSERVE (1) a Sabbath and cherish the opportunity for time with God and family - brothers and sisters in Christ and to spend time allocated with children to teach as we are admonished.
Deuteronomy 11:19 You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.
There is no 'command' to keep a Sabbath under the New Covenant, but that does not diminish the opportunity to partake of the benefits long held dear.
- by observe I mean to set the day aside for generally Godly purposes and pursuits, but not to adhere to the sunset to sunset, or many other limitations imposed on the 'holy time that was required under the law.
Regarding any requirement to 'keep' a Sabbath today, we can look to Jesus as a guide.
- He did things on the Sabbath that were contrary to traditional understanding and practises
- We are never told he rested on the Sabbath
- the Sabbath was one of many signs that separated Israel from the Gentile nations - this separation is now removed in Christ.
- He spoke about the Sabbath wasn't intended to be a burden - the Sabbath was made for man, not the reverse Mark 2:27.
- Like practically everything in the OT, they were a type of something far grander - Jesus came to point to this progression and initiate some of the changes. The Holy Days still outline the plan of God, some are different nowbehind us, serving as a remembrance - sobering and serious, while some seem to be still observed intolook firmly forward to the futureend of days and an unspeakable joy.
- Paul warns to not judge on things including the Sabbath and other OT practises.
- There are no gains in righteousness by keeping a Sabbath - our entire standing is in Jesus by grace - certainly not by keeping a day!