Leviticus 16:29-18:30
Core Claim
The Lord commands Israelites and strangers to afflict themselves on the tenth day of the seventh month, making atonement for sins through sacrifices.
Commentary
This statute is a Sabbath of solemn rest (Leviticus 16:29).
Atonement is made once a year for all sins (Leviticus 16:30).
The priest makes atonement in holy linen garments, cleansing the people before the Lord (Leviticus 16:32-33).
Sacrifices are brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting, with blood thrown on the altar and fat burned as a pleasing aroma (Leviticus 17:1-6).
Eating blood is forbidden, as life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:10-14).
Strangers must follow rules on sacrifices, just like Israelites (Leviticus 17:8-9).
Washing and bathing are required for uncleanness (Leviticus 15:1-33).
Forbidden relationships include close relatives and nakedness (Leviticus 18:6-23).
Forbidden practices include Molech, male-male relations, and animal relations (Leviticus 18:24-30).
The Lord commands Israelites to follow His rules and keep His statutes (Leviticus 18:1-5).
Doctrinal Links
- Atonement is linked to the concept of bloodguilt, where imputed guilt requires atonement through sacrifices (Leviticus 17:10-14).
- The image of God is reflected in the command to make atonement for sins and cleanse the people before the Lord (Leviticus 16:30).
- The covenant between God and Israel is established through the Lord's laws and statutes, which are a statute forever (Leviticus 18:1-5).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: "This is too harsh; why can't we just forgive each other?" -> "The Lord's laws are not about human forgiveness, but about making atonement for sins through sacrifices.
<objection>
Response: "Why do strangers have to follow the same rules as Israelites?" -> "The Lord commands all people to follow His rules and keep His statutes, regardless of their background or status.
<objection>
Response: "This is too focused on physical cleanliness; what about spiritual purity?" -> "The Lord's laws are not just about physical cleanliness, but also about spiritual purity. Washing and bathing are required for uncleanness, and forbidden relationships and practices can lead to spiritual uncleanness.
Tensions
The tension between following the Lord's rules and keeping His statutes, versus human desires and cultural norms.
The difficulty of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11:1-47).
The challenge of maintaining physical and spiritual purity in a world filled with uncleanness.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the concept of atonement to our lives today?
- What does it mean to afflict ourselves on the tenth day of the seventh month, and how can we do this in a way that is meaningful and relevant to our modern context?
- How can we balance following the Lord's rules and keeping His statutes with human desires and cultural norms?
Mark 7:24-8:10
Core Claim
Jesus demonstrates compassion and power by healing a deaf and mute man, feeding a large crowd with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish, and showing mercy to a Gentile woman.
Commentary
The passage highlights Jesus' ministry in the Decapolis region, where he encounters both physical and spiritual needs.
The Syrophoenician woman's faith is demonstrated by her persistence in asking for help, despite Jesus' initial refusal.
Jesus' response to the woman is not just a rejection, but an opportunity for her to understand his message about prioritizing spiritual nourishment.
The phrase "children's bread" refers to spiritual nourishment, which should be prioritized over physical sustenance.
The healing of the deaf and mute man is a demonstration of Jesus' power and compassion.
The feeding of the crowd is a miracle that shows Jesus' ability to provide for people's physical needs.
The passage emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in seeking help from God.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage demonstrates Jesus' power and compassion, which is a key aspect of his divinity (John 1:14).
- The healing of the deaf and mute man shows Jesus' ability to overcome physical disabilities, highlighting his role as the Messiah who will bring restoration to creation (Isaiah 35:5-6).
- The feeding of the crowd demonstrates Jesus' ability to provide for people's physical needs, which is a key aspect of his ministry as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
Common Objections
Jesus seems harsh towards the Syrophoenician woman when he says 'children's bread should not be thrown to dogs'.
Response:
> This response is not just a rejection, but an opportunity for her to understand his message about prioritizing spiritual nourishment.
Response:
Why did Jesus heal the deaf and mute man privately?
Response:
> Jesus may have wanted to avoid drawing attention away from his primary mission of preaching the gospel.
Response:
The feeding of the crowd seems like a contradiction to Jesus' earlier statement about not throwing children's bread to dogs.
Response:
> The phrase "children's bread" refers to spiritual nourishment, which should be prioritized over physical sustenance.
Response:
Tensions
The passage raises questions about the relationship between spiritual and physical needs.
Jesus' response to the Syrophoenician woman may seem harsh or dismissive at first glance.
The feeding of the crowd seems like a contradiction to Jesus' earlier statement about not throwing children's bread to dogs.
Application Questions
- How can we prioritize spiritual nourishment in our lives?
- What does it mean to have faith like the Syrophoenician woman, who persisted in seeking help from Jesus despite initial rejection?
- How can we demonstrate compassion and power like Jesus in our own ministries?
Psalm 41:1-13
Core Claim
The psalm emphasizes that considering the poor is a blessed action, as it reflects God's care for the vulnerable.
Commentary
The psalm begins with a blessing on those who consider the poor (Psalm 41:1), highlighting God's concern for the marginalized.
David's enemies mock and plot against him, but he trusts in God's goodness and deliverance (Psalm 41:5-9).
The psalm emphasizes God's care for the sick and vulnerable, as seen in His restoration of David's health (Psalm 41:3-4).
David acknowledges his sin and asks for healing and restoration (Psalm 41:4), demonstrating a humble and repentant heart.
The psalm concludes with praise to God as eternal and unchanging (Psalm 41:13), emphasizing His faithfulness and goodness.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage demonstrates Jesus' power and compassion, which is a key aspect of his divinity (John 1:14).
- The healing of the deaf and mute man shows Jesus' ability to overcome physical disabilities, highlighting his role as the Messiah who will bring restoration to creation (Isaiah 35:5-6).
- The feeding of the crowd demonstrates Jesus' ability to provide for people's physical needs, which is a key aspect of his ministry as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
Common Objections
<objection> "How can we be sure that considering the poor is truly blessed by God?"
Response: This is demonstrated in the psalm's emphasis on God's care for the vulnerable, as seen in His deliverance and protection of David (Psalm 41:1-4).
<objection> "Why does David ask for healing if he has sinned against God?"
Response: David's request for healing reflects his recognition of his sin and his desire to be restored to a right relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 41:4.
<objection> "How can we trust in God's goodness when faced with adversity?"
Response: The psalm demonstrates that even in the midst of trouble, David trusts in God's deliverance and protection (Psalm 41:5-9).
Tensions
The tension between considering the poor and facing opposition from enemies is a real difficulty for many believers.
The psalm highlights the importance of trusting in God's goodness despite adversity.
Application Questions
- How can we practically demonstrate our consideration for the poor in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to trust in God's goodness despite adversity, and how can we cultivate this trust in our own lives?
Proverbs 10:15-16
Core Claim
Wealth, in itself, does not guarantee security or protection.
Commentary
In Proverbs 10:15-16, God contrasts the wealth of the rich with the poverty of the poor, highlighting the stark difference between their conditions.
The phrase "strong city" (Hebrew: `ir chazak) implies a place of safety and security for the rich man.
However, this security is not necessarily spiritual or eternal; it may be temporal and worldly.
Poverty, on the other hand, is described as "ruin" (Hebrew: māšal), suggesting complete destruction or collapse.
The contrast between wealth and poverty serves to underscore God's concern for the poor and vulnerable in society.
Doctrinal Links
- The concept of wealth as a potential source of security is linked to the doctrine of the image of God, which emphasizes human responsibility for managing creation (Genesis 1:26-31).
- The idea that poverty can lead to ruin is connected to the doctrine of sin and its consequences (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
- The contrast between wealth and poverty also relates to the doctrine of the covenant, which highlights God's concern for the poor and vulnerable in society (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
Common Objections
<objection> Wealth is a blessing from God; why does it not guarantee security?
Response: This objection assumes that wealth is always a blessing, which is not necessarily true. In Proverbs 10:15-16, wealth is portrayed as a potential source of security, but not necessarily a guarantee.
<objection> Why does the Bible seem to value wealth and material possessions?
Response: The Bible does not necessarily value wealth for its own sake; rather, it warns against trusting in wealth as a means of security or happiness.
Tensions
The passage seems to suggest that wealth can be a source of security, but this may be at odds with the biblical emphasis on spiritual poverty and dependence on God.
The contrast between wealth and poverty raises questions about the nature of justice and fairness in society.
Application Questions
- How can Christians balance their desire for financial security with their commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable?
- What does it mean to trust in wealth as a means of security, rather than trusting in God?