Leviticus 11:1-12:8
Core Claim
God gives specific laws to Moses and Aaron about what is considered "clean" and "unclean" in Leviticus 11:1-12:8.
Commentary
The passage begins with the LORD speaking directly to Moses and Aaron, emphasizing His authority as their God.
The distinction between clean and unclean animals is based on specific characteristics such as parting the hoof and chewing the cud (Leviticus 11:2-3).
Certain birds are also considered unclean due to their characteristics or habits (Leviticus 11:13-19).
Swarming creatures that go on all fours, but do not have jointed legs above their feet, are detestable and cannot be eaten (Leviticus 11:20-23).
The passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity through separation from unclean animals and avoiding contact with their carcasses (Leviticus 11:24-25).
The LORD reminds Israel that He is holy and commands them to consecrate themselves and be holy, just as He is (Leviticus 11:44-45).
The passage also includes laws regarding childbirth and purification for women after giving birth (Leviticus 12:1-8).
Doctrinal Links
- The concept of clean and unclean animals is linked to the doctrine of creation, where God created certain creatures for human consumption (Genesis 1:29-30).
- The laws regarding childbirth and purification are connected to the doctrine of redemption, where God provides atonement for sin through sacrifice (Leviticus 12:6-8).
- The emphasis on maintaining purity and holiness is linked to the doctrine of sanctification, where believers are called to live a holy life in separation from sin.
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: "Why does God care about what animals we eat?" -> "God's concern is not just about food, but about maintaining purity and holiness in His people.
<objection>
Response: "These laws seem arbitrary and outdated." -> "The laws are based on specific characteristics of clean and unclean animals, which were relevant to the Israelites' context and health.
<objection>
Response: "Why can't we just eat whatever we want?" -> "God's laws are meant to guide us in living a holy life, separate from sin and uncleanness.
Tensions
The distinction between clean and unclean animals may seem arbitrary or confusing.
The emphasis on purity and holiness may be seen as overly restrictive or burdensome.
Application Questions
- How can we apply these laws in our modern context, considering cultural and health differences?
- What does it mean to "consecrate ourselves" and be holy, as commanded by God (Leviticus 11:44)?
- How can we balance the importance of maintaining purity with the need for flexibility and compassion in our relationships with others?
Mark 5:21-43
Core Claim
Jesus demonstrates his power over death and disease by healing a young girl and a woman with a discharge of blood.
Commentary
The passage highlights the importance of faith in receiving healing from Jesus (Mark 5:34).
The crowd's reaction to Jesus' miracles shows that they were amazed but also often did not understand the spiritual significance of what was happening (Mark 5:20, 42).
Jairus' request for Jesus to come and lay hands on his daughter demonstrates the desperation and faith of those who sought healing from Jesus (Mark 5:23).
The woman with a discharge of blood had spent all her money on physicians but was not healed until she touched Jesus' garment, showing that human efforts are insufficient without divine intervention (Mark 5:26).
Jesus' power went out from him when he touched the woman, which is why he asked who touched his garment, highlighting the supernatural nature of his healing ministry (Mark 5:30).
The commotion at Jairus' house includes people weeping and wailing loudly, demonstrating the emotional toll of suffering and death (Mark 5:38).
Jesus puts everyone outside before taking the child's parents and others inside to heal the girl, showing that he values intimacy and privacy in his healing ministry (Mark 5:40).
The phrase "Talitha cumi" means "Little girl, I say to you, arise," demonstrating Jesus' authority over life and death (Mark 5:41).
Doctrinal Links
- The passage demonstrates Jesus' power over death and disease, which is a key aspect of his messianic ministry (Mark 5:21).
- The healing of the woman with a discharge of blood shows that Jesus has authority to forgive sins and heal physical diseases (Mark 2:17).
- The phrase "Talitha cumi" means "Little girl, I say to you, arise," demonstrating Jesus' authority over life and death (Mark 5:41).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: "Why did Jesus ask who touched his garment if he already knew?" -> This question highlights the importance of faith in receiving healing from Jesus. By asking who touched him, Jesus was giving the woman an opportunity to confess her faith and receive healing (Mark 5:30).
<objection>
Response: "Why did Jairus' servants arrive with news that his daughter had died, but Jesus told him to believe?" -> This question shows that Jesus is not bound by time or circumstances. He can heal even in the face of death and uncertainty (Mark 5:36).
<objection>
Response: "Why did Jesus put everyone outside before healing the girl?" -> This question demonstrates Jesus' value on intimacy and privacy in his healing ministry. By putting everyone outside, Jesus was able to create a safe space for the family to receive healing (Mark 5:40).
Tensions
The passage raises questions about the nature of faith and its relationship to healing.
The contrast between life and death is starkly highlighted by Jesus' ability to heal both the woman with a discharge of blood and the young girl.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the importance of faith in receiving healing from Jesus to our own lives?
- What does it mean for us to have a "discharge of blood" that needs to be healed by Jesus?
- How can we create safe spaces for others to receive healing and intimacy with God?
Psalm 38:1-22
Core Claim
The psalmist David confesses his sin and asks for forgiveness, acknowledging the physical and emotional pain he is experiencing due to his iniquity.
Commentary
The psalm begins with a plea from David not to be rebuked or disciplined by God in anger (v. 1).
David describes the physical pain he is experiencing as "no soundness" in his flesh and "no health" in his bones (v. 3).
His emotional state is characterized by a "tumult of my heart" (v. 8) and a sense of being "utterly bowed down and prostrate" (v. 6).
David's enemies are described as seeking to harm him, speaking treachery, and rejoicing over his misfortune (vv. 12-14).
Despite his pain and suffering, David expresses confidence in God's presence and help (v. 22).
The psalm highlights the tension between David's sin and God's righteous judgment.
David's confession of sin is a key aspect of the psalm, demonstrating his awareness of his wrongdoing and his desire for forgiveness.
The psalm also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and help in times of suffering.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage demonstrates Jesus' power over death and disease, which is a key aspect of his messianic ministry (Mark 5:21).
- The healing of the woman with a discharge of blood shows that Jesus has authority to forgive sins and heal physical diseases (Mark 2:17).
- The phrase "Talitha cumi" means "Little girl, I say to you, arise," demonstrating Jesus' authority over life and death (Mark 5:41).
Common Objections
<objection> "How can we reconcile the idea that God disciplines us with love (Hebrews 12:6) with David's fear of being rebuked by God?"
Response: This objection highlights a common tension between God's discipline and His love. However, it is essential to understand that God's discipline is not punitive but corrective, aiming to bring about spiritual growth and maturity.
<objection> "Why does David seem to be more concerned with his physical pain than his spiritual condition?"
Response: While David does express physical pain, he also acknowledges the emotional toll of his sin on his heart. His concern for his spiritual condition is evident in his confession of sin and request for forgiveness.
Tensions
The tension between God's righteous judgment and David's sinful actions.
The contrast between David's physical and emotional pain and his desire for spiritual growth and maturity.
The difficulty of balancing the need for discipline with the fear of being rebuked by God.
Application Questions
- How can we balance the need for discipline with the fear of being rebuked by God?
- What are some ways to cultivate a sense of spiritual growth and maturity in our lives?
- In what ways can we seek God's presence and help in times of suffering?
Proverbs 10:8-9
Core Claim
The wise of heart, characterized by receiving and living according to God's commandments, walk securely and avoid being "found out", while those who make their ways crooked are discovered.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of receiving and obeying God's commandments.
The contrast between the wise of heart and the babbling fool highlights the consequences of following or rejecting God's will.
Walking in integrity is a key concept, as it leads to security and avoids being "found out".
The phrase "makes his ways crooked" suggests intentional sinning or rebellion against God's commands.
Being "found out" implies exposure to shame, guilt, or consequences for one's actions.
The passage assumes that the reader is familiar with the concept of commandments as a guide for living.
Doctrinal Links
- This passage is linked to the doctrine of covenant, as it assumes a relationship between God and humanity governed by commandments.
- The emphasis on integrity and crooked ways relates to the doctrine of sin and its consequences.
- The idea of being "found out" connects to the concept of accountability for one's actions.
Common Objections
A critic might argue: "But what about those who are unaware of God's commands?"
Response: This objection overlooks the assumption in the passage that the wise of heart are already aware and following God's will.
A skeptic could say: "How can we trust that God's commandments are truly authoritative?"
Response: The passage assumes a prior commitment to God's authority, but does not provide explicit evidence for this claim.
Another objection might be: "Is it really fair to punish those who don't know better?"
Response: This objection raises questions about the nature of justice and mercy in God's dealings with humanity.
Tensions
The passage assumes a level of moral knowledge and responsibility that may not be universally applicable.
The contrast between the wise of heart and the babbling fool can be seen as overly simplistic or judgmental.
Some readers might struggle to reconcile the idea of being "found out" with the concept of God's mercy and forgiveness.
Application Questions
- How can I cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's commandments?
- What are some specific areas in my life where I need to walk in integrity and avoid making crooked ways?
- How can I help others who may be struggling with their own "crooked ways" or lack of knowledge about God's will?