Exodus 29:1-30:10
Core Claim
God commands Moses to consecrate priests with bull, rams, bread, and oil, establishing a system of priestly ordination.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of consecration (setting apart for sacred use) in the priesthood.
Consecration involves anointing with oil, clothing in holy garments, and washing with water (Exodus 29:1-9).
The sin offering is a sacrifice to atone for past sins, using the bull's blood (Exodus 29:10-14).
Regular burnt offerings are established, with two lambs offered daily (Exodus 29:38-42).
Aaron and his sons are ordained as priests after him, wearing holy garments for seven days (Exodus 29:20-30).
Unauthorized incense offerings or sacrifices on the altar are forbidden (Exodus 30:9).
The altar is purified and consecrated through seven days of offerings (Exodus 29:33-37).
Atonement makes amends with God through sacrifice and ritual cleansing (Exodus 29:36-37, Exodus 30:10).
Doctrinal Links
- Covenant: God establishes a covenant with Israel, promising to dwell among them (Exodus 29:45-46).
- Atonement: The sin offering is a sacrifice to atone for past sins, demonstrating the need for ritual cleansing (Exodus 29:10-14).
- Image of God: Priests are set apart as representatives of God's people, reflecting His holiness and character (Exodus 28:2-5).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to imply that only priests can approach God; what about the rest of the people?
> This objection is addressed in Exodus 19:22, where Moses is instructed to lead the people in worship and atonement.
Response:
<objection>
Response: Why does God require such elaborate rituals for consecration and atonement?
> These rituals serve as a means of demonstrating God's holiness and the people's dependence on Him (Exodus 29:43).
Response:
<objection>
Response: What about the role of faith in salvation; is it not enough to simply believe?
> While faith is essential, the passage emphasizes the importance of ritual cleansing and atonement for sin (Exodus 29:36-37).
Response:
Tensions
The requirement for priests to wear holy garments for seven days may seem excessive or even burdensome.
The emphasis on ritual cleanliness and atonement may lead some to focus too much on external practices rather than internal faith.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principles of consecration and atonement to our own lives?
- What role should ritual practices play in our worship and devotion to God?
Matthew 26:14-46
Core Claim
Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper (Communion) during the Passover meal, symbolizing his body and blood as a covenant sacrifice for many.
Commentary
The institution of the Lord's Supper occurs after Jesus predicts his own betrayal by one of the twelve disciples.
Judas Iscariot is identified as the betrayer, who has been paid thirty pieces of silver by the chief priests (Matthew 26:14-16).
Jesus' body and blood are symbolized in bread and wine during the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:26-30).
The Lord's Supper is a covenant meal, where Jesus' blood is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28).
The institution of the Lord's Supper is a fulfillment of Scripture, as written in Psalm 41:9 and Zechariah 11:12-13.
Jesus' prediction of his own betrayal and death is a demonstration of his knowledge of God's will and plan for salvation (Matthew 26:21-25).
The disciples' promise to stand with Jesus ultimately gives way to denial, highlighting the tension between flesh and spirit (Matthew 26:31-35).
Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane demonstrates his humanity and dependence on God's will, even as he faces death (Matthew 26:36-46).
Doctrinal Links
- Covenant theology: The Lord's Supper is a covenant meal, where Jesus' blood is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28).
- Atonement: Jesus' death on the cross is necessary for forgiveness and redemption (Matthew 26:28).
- Image of God: Jesus' humanity and dependence on God's will demonstrate his image-bearing nature (Matthew 26:36-46).
Common Objections
<objection> Judas Iscariot is a traitor; how can Jesus still call him "friend"?
Response:
> This question highlights the complexity of human relationships and the nature of sin. While Judas' actions are reprehensible, Jesus' love for him remains, demonstrating God's redemptive power even in the midst of betrayal.
Response:
<objection> Why does Jesus have to die? Couldn't he just forgive Judas and everyone else?
Response:
> This objection misunderstands the nature of sin and its consequences. Sin requires a sacrifice, which is why Jesus' death on the cross is necessary for forgiveness and redemption.
Response:
<objection> The Lord's Supper seems like just a symbolic meal; what's the practical significance?
Response:
> While the bread and wine are symbols, they represent the real presence of Christ in his body and blood. The Lord's Supper is a means of participating in Christ's sacrifice and receiving forgiveness.
Response:
Tensions
The tension between Jesus' will and God's will (Matthew 26:39)
The contrast between flesh and spirit (Matthew 26:41)
The difficulty of understanding why Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus, despite being a part of the inner circle
Application Questions
- How can we participate in Christ's sacrifice through the Lord's Supper?
- What does it mean to "take, eat; this is my body" (Matthew 26:26)?
- How can we balance our fleshly desires with our spiritual aspirations?
Psalm 31:19-24
Core Claim
God's goodness is abundant and stored up for those who fear Him.
Commentary
The Psalmist begins by praising God's goodness, emphasizing its abundance and availability to those who fear Him (Psalm 31:19).
This goodness is not just a general attribute of God, but something that He has "stored up" specifically for His people (Psalm 31:19).
The phrase "in the sight of mankind" highlights God's concern for human perception and reputation (Psalm 31:20).
The Psalmist uses rhetorical markers to emphasize God's goodness and steadfast love, such as "Oh, how abundant is your goodness" (Psalm 31:19) and "Blessed be the LORD" (Psalm 31:21).
The concept of "steadfast love" is a key term in this passage, emphasizing God's enduring affection for His people (Psalm 31:23).
The Psalmist expresses gratitude for God's mercy in a time of need, when he was in a besieged city (Psalm 31:22).
The Psalmist encourages others to love the Lord and take refuge in Him, promising that He will preserve the faithful but repay pride with abundance (Psalm 31:23-24).
Doctrinal Links
- Covenant theology: The Lord's Supper is a covenant meal, where Jesus' blood is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28).
- Atonement: Jesus' death on the cross is necessary for forgiveness and redemption (Matthew 26:28).
- Image of God: Jesus' humanity and dependence on God's will demonstrate his image-bearing nature (Matthew 26:36-46).
Common Objections
<objection> God's goodness is not always apparent in times of suffering.
Response: <response> While it may seem that way at first glance, the Psalmist's experience shows that God's goodness can be revealed even in the midst of hardship (Psalm 31:22).
<objection> Why does God hide His people from human plots and store them in His shelter?
Response: <response> This is a mystery that we cannot fully understand, but it is clear that God's ultimate goal is to preserve and protect those who trust in Him (Psalm 31:20-21).
<objection> How can we be sure that God will preserve the faithful and repay pride with abundance?
Response: <response> While we cannot predict the future with certainty, the Psalmist's experience and the promises of Scripture give us confidence that God is faithful to His people (Psalm 31:23-24).
Tensions
The tension between God's goodness and human suffering is a real difficulty in this passage.
The concept of "steadfast love" raises questions about God's relationship with those who do not fear Him.
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate a sense of awe and wonder at God's goodness in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to "fear" God in this passage, and how can we apply that concept to our own lives?
- How can we balance the promise of God's preservation with the reality of human suffering?
Proverbs 8:14-26
Core Claim
Wisdom is a personified entity who offers counsel and sound wisdom to kings, rulers, princes, and nobles.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom, highlighting that it is available to those who love and diligently seek it (v. 17).
Wisdom is described as having insight, strength, riches, honor, enduring wealth, and righteousness (vv. 12-21).
The benefits of following wisdom include just decrees and righteous rule (v. 15).
Wisdom follows the path of righteousness and justice (v. 20).
Those who love wisdom receive an inheritance and filled treasuries (v. 21).
Doctrinal Links
- Covenant: Wisdom's relationship with God and humanity is reminiscent of the covenant between God and Israel (e.g. Deuteronomy 4:1-8).
- Atonement: The passage implies that wisdom is a gift from God to those who love it, which may be seen as analogous to the atonement provided through Christ.
- Image of God: Wisdom's personification reflects humanity's image-bearing capacity and responsibility to govern justly (Genesis 1:26-28).
Common Objections
<objection> "Wisdom is not a person, it's just a concept."
Response: This objection misunderstands the biblical portrayal of Wisdom as a personal entity who speaks directly to kings and rulers.
<objection> "The passage seems to imply that wisdom is created by God, but then says 'I was brought forth' in v. 23."
Response: This objection highlights a tension between the creation and origin of Wisdom, which may be resolved by understanding Wisdom as an eternal entity who exists alongside God.
Tensions
The passage implies that Wisdom is both created by God (v. 22) and yet also "brought forth" in some sense (v. 23), raising questions about its origin and nature.
The emphasis on seeking wisdom may be seen as conflicting with the idea that Wisdom is available to all who love it, regardless of their efforts.
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate a love for wisdom in our lives?
- What are some practical ways to seek wisdom, especially in the midst of uncertainty or difficulty?
- In what ways can we embody the path of righteousness and justice that Wisdom follows?