Why is compassion important on the Sabbath?

The Sabbath was designed as a day of rest, but it also serves as a reminder of God's compassion. When Jesus encounters the man with the withered hand, He highlights that it is right to do good on the Sabbath. This underscores the importance of mercy over mere legalistic observance of the law. In Exodus 23:5, we see God's command to help even an enemy's animal in need, which illustrates that the essence of the law is love and compassion, key elements that should govern Sabbath observance.