Exodus 2:11-3:22
Core Claim
God commissions Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
Commentary
The passage begins with Moses killing an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew (Exodus 2:11-12), but he flees to Midian after Pharaoh seeks his death (Exodus 2:15).
In Midian, Moses marries Zipporah and has a son named Gershom (Exodus 2:21-22).
The Israelites groan under slavery and cry out for help, which God hears and remembers his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:7-8).
At Mount Horeb, the angel of the LORD appears to Moses in a burning bush and commissions him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 3:1-4:17).
God promises to bring the Israelites up out of Egypt to a good land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8).
Moses is hesitant but God reassures him of his presence and gives him instructions for delivering the Israelites (Exodus 3:10-12, 4:1-17).
Doctrinal Links
- The covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:8).
- The promise to bring the Israelites up out of Egypt to a good land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8).
- The concept of God's presence and power manifesting in human circumstances (Exodus 3:2).
- The idea that God works through human agents to accomplish his will (Exodus 3:10).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to contradict the idea that God is a loving God by commissioning Moses to lead an army against Pharaoh.
Response: This objection misunderstands the nature of God's love. While God is a loving God, he is also a just God who demands justice for his people. The Israelites' cry for help and God's promise to deliver them demonstrate his love for them.
Response:
<objection>
Response: Moses seems hesitant and unsure in his commissioning by God.
Response: This objection highlights the human aspect of Moses' character, but it also shows that he is willing to obey God despite his doubts. His hesitation demonstrates the gravity of the task ahead and the importance of God's reassurance.
Response:
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to contradict the idea of God's sovereignty by depicting him as being "sent" by a burning bush (Exodus 3:2).
Response: This objection misunderstands the nature of God's sovereignty. While God is sovereign, he often works through human agents and circumstances to accomplish his will. The burning bush is a manifestation of God's presence and power.
Response:
Tensions
The tension between God's promise to deliver the Israelites and Moses' hesitation and doubts.
The contrast between the Egyptian oppressors and the Hebrew slaves.
The difficulty of understanding how God can be both loving and just in commissioning an army against Pharaoh.
Application Questions
- How can we respond to the cry for help from those who are oppressed or marginalized?
- What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult?
- How can we balance our desire for justice with a recognition of God's loving nature?
Matthew 17:10-27
Core Claim
Jesus teaches that faith like a mustard seed can move mountains, but the disciples lack this kind of faith.
Commentary
The passage begins with the disciples asking about Elijah's return, which they misunderstand as referring to a future event.
Jesus clarifies that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, and that he himself will suffer at human hands.
A man approaches Jesus with a plea for his son's healing, demonstrating the need for faith in Christ's power.
Jesus heals the boy, rebuking the demon and illustrating the importance of faith in prayer.
The disciples ask why they couldn't heal the boy, to which Jesus responds that it was due to their lack of faith.
Jesus teaches that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things, using the example of moving mountains.
As they gather in Galilee, Jesus predicts his own suffering and resurrection on the third day.
Peter is questioned about tax payment, and Jesus instructs him to pay it using a fish to avoid offense.
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of Christ's suffering and resurrection is linked to his identity as the Son of Man.
- The concept of faith like a mustard seed is connected to the idea that even small amounts of faith can accomplish great things.
- The passage also touches on the doctrine of creation, as Jesus uses a fish to demonstrate his sovereignty over nature.
Common Objections
Why does Jesus seem harsh towards the disciples for their lack of faith?"
Response: This response highlights that Jesus' rebuke is meant to encourage them to grow in faith, rather than condemn them.
Is it really possible for people to have 'little faith' like a mustard seed?"
Response: The passage emphasizes that even small amounts of faith can accomplish great things when directed towards God's power.
Why does Jesus use a fish to pay the tax, rather than just paying it himself?"
Response: This response notes that Jesus is teaching Peter about humility and avoiding offense, while also demonstrating his sovereignty over creation.
Tensions
The tension between Jesus' prediction of suffering and resurrection on the third day, and the disciples' lack of understanding.
The contrast between the faithless generation and the small amount of faith required to move mountains.
The difficulty in balancing humility (avoiding offense) with confidence in God's power.
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate "little faith" in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to have faith like a mustard seed, and how can we apply this principle to our prayers?
- In what ways can we balance humility with confidence in God's power?
Psalm 22:1-18
Core Claim
God is present with His people in times of distress, even when it feels like He has forsaken them.
Commentary
The Psalmist David addresses God as "my God" multiple times (v. 1, 2, 7), emphasizing their personal relationship.
The contrast between God's past deliverance and current absence is highlighted throughout the psalm (vv. 4-5, 9).
The concept of God's holiness is emphasized in verse 3, where He is described as "enthroned on the praises of Israel.
David's trust in God is a recurring theme, despite feeling scorned and mocked by others (v. 6).
The psalm describes physical suffering and death in detail (vv. 14-18), but also affirms God's sovereignty over all things.
The image of the "worm" in verse 6 is often seen as a symbol of humility and dependence on God.
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of Christ's suffering and resurrection is linked to his identity as the Son of Man.
- The concept of faith like a mustard seed is connected to the idea that even small amounts of faith can accomplish great things.
- The passage also touches on the doctrine of creation, as Jesus uses a fish to demonstrate his sovereignty over nature.
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: God seems to be absent or unresponsive, which contradicts His character as described in other parts of Scripture.
Response: This apparent absence can be understood within the context of Christ's crucifixion, where He bore the weight of sin and felt forsaken by the Father (Matthew 27:46).
Response:
<objection>
Response: The psalm describes God's people being surrounded by enemies, which seems to contradict His promise of protection.
Response: This can be seen as a test of faith, where David's trust in God is reaffirmed despite the circumstances.
Response:
<objection>
Response: The image of God as a distant or unresponsive deity contradicts the concept of God's immanence.
Response: While God is indeed present and active in all things, He often works through human agency and allows suffering to occur for redemptive purposes.
Response:
Tensions
The apparent contradiction between God's character as described in other parts of Scripture and His seeming absence in this psalm.
The tension between trusting in God despite feeling scorned and mocked by others.
The difficulty of understanding why God would allow physical suffering and death to occur, even for the righteous.
Application Questions
- How can we trust in God's presence and sovereignty despite feeling abandoned or unresponsive?
- What does it mean to be a "worm" and how can we cultivate humility and dependence on God?
- How can we respond to physical suffering and death with faith and hope, rather than despair?
Proverbs 5:7-14
Core Claim
The father warns his sons to keep their distance from an adulteress, lest they suffer physical and emotional consequences.
Commentary
The passage assumes a patriarchal society where fathers are seen as authority figures.
The term "adulteress" is not explicitly named but implied as a threat to the family's honor and well-being.
The contrast between "far from her" and "near the door of her house" highlights the importance of physical distance in maintaining moral purity.
The phrase "give your honor to others" suggests that an adulterous relationship would lead to shame and loss of reputation for the family.
The use of "strangers" implies that those who engage in such relationships will be taken advantage of by outsiders, leading to further suffering.
The consequences of giving years to the merciless are severe, implying a loss of physical and emotional vitality.
The passage emphasizes the importance of discipline and reproof in maintaining moral purity and avoiding regret.
Doctrinal Links
- The importance of covenantal relationships (e.g. marriage) for maintaining family honor and well-being.
- The concept of atonement, where the consequences of sin are severe but ultimately redeemed through God's mercy.
- The image of God as a loving Father who desires to protect his children from harm.
Common Objections
This passage is too harsh and judgmental."
Response: This objection overlooks the context of ancient Near Eastern culture where family honor was paramount. The father's warning is motivated by a desire to protect his sons from harm.
Why can't the son just make his own choices?"
Response: The passage assumes that the son is still under the authority of his parents, and that their guidance is necessary for his well-being.
This passage seems to blame the victim."
Response: This objection misunderstands the nature of the warning. The father is not blaming the adulteress but rather warning his sons of the consequences of engaging with her.
Tensions
The tension between physical distance and emotional intimacy in relationships.
The conflict between individual desires and family obligations.
The difficulty of maintaining moral purity in a society where temptation is present.
Application Questions
- How can parents balance their desire to protect their children with their need for independence and autonomy?
- What are some practical ways to maintain physical distance in relationships while still being emotionally intimate?
- How can individuals prioritize family honor and well-being in the face of temptation and societal pressure?