Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Core Claim
God provides a system of sin offerings to atone for unintentional sins committed by individuals in Israel.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of atonement for unintentional sins, highlighting the need for forgiveness and restoration.
Sin offerings are not just about punishment but also about making amends with God and restoring relationships within the community.
The use of different types of animals (bulls, goats, lambs) reflects the social status and affordability of the individual offering.
The sprinkling of blood seven times before the LORD in front of the veil symbolizes the cleansing power of atonement.
The priest's role is crucial in making atonement for the people, demonstrating God's desire to forgive and restore His people.
The passage also highlights the importance of restitution and making amends for unintentional sins committed against holy things.
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of atonement is central to this passage, highlighting God's desire to forgive and restore His people.
- The concept of restitution and making amends for unintentional sins committed against holy things reflects the importance of restoring relationships within the community.
- The use of different types of animals in sin offerings reflects the social status and affordability of the individual offering.
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: "But what about intentional sins? Doesn't this system only apply to unintentional ones?" -> This is a misunderstanding of the text, which clearly states that sin offerings are for both unintentional and intentional sins (Leviticus 4:2).
<objection>
Response: "Why do different types of animals have to be used depending on social status and affordability?" -> The use of different animals reflects God's desire to include all people in the atonement process, regardless of their social status or financial means.
<objection>
Response: "What about the priest's role? Doesn't this system make them too powerful?" -> The priest's role is not about exercising power but rather about facilitating God's forgiveness and restoration.
Tensions
The tension between intentional and unintentional sins, with different consequences for each.
The tension between social status and affordability in determining the type of animal used for sin offerings.
The tension between the priest's role in making atonement and the individual's responsibility to seek forgiveness.
Application Questions
- How can we apply this system of sin offerings to our own lives, seeking forgiveness and restoration for unintentional sins?
- What does it mean to make restitution and seek forgiveness for unintentional sins committed against holy things?
- How can we balance the importance of atonement with the need for individual responsibility in seeking forgiveness?
Mark 2:13-3:6
Core Claim
Jesus' mission is to call sinners, not the righteous, as he explains in Mark 2:13-3:6.
Commentary
Jesus' ministry focuses on those who are spiritually sick and in need of a physician (Mark 2:17).
The Pharisees question Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners, but Jesus responds that his mission is to call the lost, not the righteous (Mark 2:17).
Jesus uses a metaphor about new wine requiring new wineskins to explain why he cannot fit into traditional Jewish categories (Mark 2:22).
The Sabbath was created for human benefit, as seen in David's example of eating bread from the Presence (Mark 2:27).
Jesus' actions on the Sabbath are not driven by a desire to break the law but rather to demonstrate his lordship over it (Mark 2:28).
The Pharisees watch Jesus closely, looking for opportunities to accuse him of breaking the Sabbath laws (Mark 3:1-6).
Doctrinal Links
- Jesus' mission to call sinners is linked to his role as a physician (Mark 2:17).
- The concept of new wine requiring new wineskins illustrates the need for a new way of thinking about God's relationship with humanity.
- Jesus' lordship over the Sabbath demonstrates his authority over all of creation.
Common Objections
<objection> "Why does Jesus associate with tax collectors and sinners?"
Response: <response> Jesus' mission is to call those who are spiritually sick, not the righteous.
<objection> "Isn't Jesus' behavior on the Sabbath a form of lawlessness?"
Response: <response> No, Jesus is demonstrating his lordship over the Sabbath by showing that it was created for human benefit.
<objection> "Why doesn't Jesus' disciples fast like John's disciples and the Pharisees?"
Response: <response> Jesus' disciples are in a state of celebration because they have the bridegroom with them.
Tensions
The tension between Jesus' mission to call sinners and the Pharisees' emphasis on keeping the law.
The difficulty of understanding why Jesus would associate with tax collectors and sinners, who were considered unclean by Jewish standards.
The challenge of reconciling Jesus' actions on the Sabbath with traditional Jewish interpretations.
Application Questions
- How can we, like Jesus, prioritize calling those who are spiritually sick and in need of a physician?
- In what ways can we adapt our understanding of tradition to accommodate new wine (new revelation) without discarding old wineskins (established doctrine)?
- How can we balance the importance of keeping the law with the need for compassion and mercy towards those who are struggling?
Psalm 36:1-12
Core Claim
God's steadfast love and righteousness extend to all creation, including man and beast.
Commentary
The psalmist describes the wicked person as having no fear of God before their eyes (v. 1).
This indicates a deliberate choice to sin, rather than ignorance or circumstance (v. 3).
The wicked person flatters themselves, thinking their iniquity cannot be found out and hated (v. 2).
Their words are trouble and deceit, and they have ceased to act wisely and do good (v. 4).
God's steadfast love extends to the heavens and His faithfulness to the clouds (v. 6).
His righteousness is like the mountains of God, and His judgments are like the great deep (v. 7).
Man and beast are saved by God (v. 7).
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of God's wings (v. 9).
They feast on the abundance of God's house and drink from the river of His delights (v. 10).
With God is the fountain of life, and in His light we see light (v. 11).
Doctrinal Links
- Jesus' mission to call sinners is linked to his role as a physician (Mark 2:17).
- The concept of new wine requiring new wineskins illustrates the need for a new way of thinking about God's relationship with humanity.
- Jesus' lordship over the Sabbath demonstrates his authority over all of creation.
Common Objections
<objection> The psalmist seems to be describing a dichotomy between good and evil, but what about those who are struggling with sin?
Response: This objection highlights the tension between God's holiness and human frailty. While the psalmist does describe the wicked as having no fear of God, it is also clear that God's steadfast love extends to all people, including those who struggle with sin.
<objection> How can we reconcile the idea that God saves man and beast (v. 7) with the fact that many animals are predators or cause harm?
Response: This objection raises a question about the nature of God's salvation and how it applies to creation. While the psalmist does say that God saves man and beast, it is likely that this refers to God's preservation and care for all creatures, rather than their moral behavior.
<objection> Why does the psalmist ask God to continue His steadfast love and righteousness (v. 10), if God's character is unchanging?
Response: This objection highlights a tension between God's sovereignty and human prayer. While it is true that God's character is unchanging, the psalmist's request can be seen as an expression of trust and dependence on God's goodness.
Tensions
The tension between God's holiness and human frailty.
The question of how to reconcile God's salvation of man and beast with the fact that many animals are predators or cause harm.
The tension between God's sovereignty and human prayer.
Application Questions
- How can we, as believers, reflect God's steadfast love and faithfulness in our own lives?
- What does it mean to take refuge in the shadow of God's wings (v. 9)?
- How can we trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when faced with difficult circumstances?
Proverbs 10:1-2
Core Claim
The wise behavior of a child brings joy and benefits to their parents, while foolish behavior causes sorrow.
Commentary
The proverbs in this passage are attributed to Solomon, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in life (Proverbs 10:1).
A wise son is described as bringing joy to his father, highlighting the positive impact of good behavior on relationships (Proverbs 10:1).
In contrast, a foolish son causes sorrow for his mother, illustrating the negative consequences of poor choices (Proverbs 10:1).
The passage distinguishes between treasures gained through wickedness and those obtained through righteousness, emphasizing the importance of moral character (Proverbs 10:2).
Treasures obtained through wicked behavior are ultimately unprofitable, while righteousness can rescue someone from death (Proverbs 10:2).
This passage is part of a larger collection of wisdom literature in Proverbs, which aims to teach readers how to live wisely and avoid the consequences of foolishness.
Doctrinal Links
- The concept of wisdom in Proverbs is closely tied to the idea of fearing God (Proverbs 9:10).
- The passage's emphasis on the consequences of wickedness and the benefits of righteousness reflects a broader biblical theme of moral accountability (Romans 6:23).
- The idea that treasures obtained through wicked behavior are ultimately unprofitable is related to the concept of idolatry in the Bible (Colossians 3:5).
Common Objections
But what about children who are born with disabilities or face challenging circumstances?"
Response: The Bible acknowledges that life is not always easy, but it still emphasizes the importance of teaching children to make wise choices (Proverbs 22:6).
How can we ensure our children become wise and righteous?"
Response: While there is no guarantee, parents can model wisdom and righteousness for their children, pray for them, and teach them God's Word (Deuteronomy 6:7-9).
What about the idea that some people are naturally more inclined to wickedness than others?"
Response: The Bible acknowledges that humans have a tendency towards sin, but it also emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and making choices that align with God's will (Romans 3:23).
Tensions
The passage assumes a patriarchal society where fathers and mothers play distinct roles.
The emphasis on righteousness as a means of escaping death may be seen as overly simplistic or even fatalistic by some readers.
Application Questions
- How can we, as parents, model wisdom and righteousness for our children?
- What are some practical ways to teach children about the importance of making wise choices?
- In what ways can we help our children develop a strong sense of moral character?