What is the significance and ruling regarding sitting between the two Friday sermons, and can the sermon be delivered without it?

It has been authentically reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, that he would sit between the two Friday sermons. Scholars have differed regarding the wisdom behind this sitting; some said it was to separate the two sermons, and others said it was for rest. They also differed regarding the ruling on this sitting; the majority of scholars held that it is a Sunnah, while the Shafi'is are of the view that it is a condition for the validity of the sermon. According to the view of the majority, if the Imam does not sit, he separates the two sermons by a pause (silence).