Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20
Core Claim
God commands Israel to observe the month of Abib and keep the Passover, and to follow justice and not show partiality.
Commentary
The month of Abib is significant because God brought Israel out of Egypt (Deuteronomy 16:1).
The Passover sacrifice is to be offered at a chosen place (Deuteronomy 16:2-3).
Unleavened bread is to be eaten for seven days to remember Israel's haste in leaving Egypt (Deuteronomy 16:3).
The Feast of Weeks is to be kept with a freewill offering (Deuteronomy 16:10).
The Feast of Booths is to be kept for seven days with rejoicing (Deuteronomy 16:14).
Judges and officers are to be appointed in all towns (Deuteronomy 16:18).
Justice is to be followed, and partiality is not allowed (Deuteronomy 16:19).
Asherah trees and pillars are not to be planted or set up (Deuteronomy 16:21).
Blemished animals are not to be sacrificed (Deuteronomy 17:1).
Evil doers are to be punished, and evil is to be purged from Israel (Deuteronomy 17:7).
Difficult cases are to be consulted with Levitical priests and judges (Deuteronomy 17:8-13).
The king is to be chosen by God and is to write a copy of the law (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of the covenant: God's relationship with Israel is based on a covenant of love and loyalty (Deuteronomy 4:31).
- The doctrine of atonement: The Passover sacrifice is a type of atonement for Israel's sins (Deuteronomy 16:2-3).
- The doctrine of the image of God: The requirement to appoint judges and officers in all towns emphasizes the importance of human dignity and worth (Genesis 1:26-27).
- The doctrine of the kingdom of God: The requirement for the king to write a copy of the law and read it daily emphasizes the importance of God's sovereignty and rule in Israel's life (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The commands in Deuteronomy 16-17 are too restrictive and burdensome for modern society.
> Response: The commands in Deuteronomy 16-17 are not intended to be burdensome, but rather to guide Israel in their relationship with God and with one another. The emphasis is on justice, compassion, and obedience to God's laws.
Response:
<objection>
Response: The requirement to appoint judges and officers in all towns is impractical and impossible to implement.
> Response: The requirement to appoint judges and officers in all towns is not intended to be a literal, physical requirement, but rather a spiritual one. It emphasizes the importance of justice and accountability in the community.
Response:
<objection>
Response: The prohibition on sacrificing blemished animals is arbitrary and unfair.
> Response: The prohibition on sacrificing blemished animals is not arbitrary, but rather is based on the principle that God desires perfect and whole offerings (Leviticus 1:3). It emphasizes the importance of reverence and respect for God's laws.
Response:
Tensions
The tension between the command to follow justice and the reality of human fallibility and error.
The tension between the requirement to appoint judges and officers in all towns and the practical limitations of human resources and capacity.
The tension between the prohibition on sacrificing blemished animals and the desire to offer sacrifices that are pleasing to God.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principle of justice and compassion in our own lives and communities?
- How can we balance the importance of following God's laws with the reality of human fallibility and error?
- How can we prioritize the well-being and dignity of all people, including the Levites, sojourners, and widows, in our communities?
Luke 9:7-27
Core Claim
Jesus is the Christ of God, and his identity as the Son of Man is revealed through his teachings and miracles.
Commentary
The passage begins with Herod's confusion about Jesus' identity, highlighting the various rumors and speculations about him (Luke 9:7-9).
Jesus' feeding of the crowd with five loaves and two fish is a miracle that demonstrates his power and divinity (Luke 9:10-17).
The disciples' suggestion to send the crowd away is rejected by Jesus, who instead commands them to feed the crowd, illustrating his authority and compassion (Luke 9:12-13).
Jesus' question to the disciples about the crowds' opinion of him is a way of testing their understanding and faith (Luke 9:18-20).
Peter's identification of Jesus as the Christ of God is a significant moment in the passage, marking a turning point in the disciples' understanding of Jesus' identity (Luke 9:20).
Jesus' warning to the disciples about his future suffering and death is a difficult message to hear, but it is also a call to faith and discipleship (Luke 9:22).
Jesus' teaching about the cost of following him emphasizes the importance of self-denial and sacrifice, highlighting the need for radical commitment to his cause (Luke 9:23-25).
Jesus' promise to the disciples that they will see the kingdom of God before they die is a source of comfort and encouragement, underscoring the hope of eternal life and the presence of God's kingdom in the midst of suffering (Luke 9:27).
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of the Trinity is implicit in Jesus' identity as the Christ of God and the Son of Man (Luke 9:20).
- The doctrine of the atonement is hinted at in Jesus' warning about his future suffering and death (Luke 9:22).
- The doctrine of the image of God is implicit in Jesus' teaching about the importance of self-denial and sacrifice (Luke 9:23-25).
- The doctrine of the kingdom of God is central to Jesus' teaching and mission, emphasizing the presence of God's kingdom in the midst of suffering (Luke 9:27).
Common Objections
<objection> "How can Jesus be the Christ of God if he is not recognized as such by the Jewish leaders?"
Response: <response> Jesus' identity as the Christ of God is not limited to human recognition, but is rooted in his divine nature and mission (Luke 9:20).
<objection> "Why does Jesus warn the disciples about his future suffering and death if he is the Christ of God?"
Response: <response> Jesus' warning is a call to faith and discipleship, emphasizing the need for radical commitment to his cause and the importance of self-denial and sacrifice (Luke 9:22-23).
<objection> "How can Jesus promise the disciples that they will see the kingdom of God before they die if he is going to suffer and die himself?"
Response: <response> Jesus' promise is not a guarantee of physical survival, but a promise of spiritual transformation and the presence of God's kingdom in the midst of suffering (Luke 9:27).
Tensions
The tension between Jesus' identity as the Christ of God and the various rumors and speculations about him (Luke 9:7-9).
The tension between Jesus' call to discipleship and the cost of following him, which requires self-denial and sacrifice (Luke 9:23-25).
The tension between Jesus' promise of eternal life and the reality of suffering and death (Luke 9:27).
Application Questions
- What does it mean to follow Jesus and deny oneself, and how can we apply this teaching in our own lives?
- How can we balance the promise of eternal life with the reality of suffering and death?
- What does it mean to see the kingdom of God in the midst of suffering, and how can we experience this reality in our own lives?
Psalm 72:1-20
Core Claim
God's people are called to pray for the king, asking God to give justice and righteousness to the royal son, that he may judge with righteousness and defend the poor.
Commentary
The psalm is a prayer for the king, asking God to give him the qualities necessary to be a just and righteous ruler.
The prayer is not just for the king, but for the people as well, that they may be blessed and prosper under his rule.
The psalm highlights the importance of justice and righteousness in the kingdom of God.
The prayer also emphasizes the need for the king to have pity on the weak and needy, and to deliver them from oppression.
The psalm uses imagery from nature to describe the king's reign, such as rain and showers that water the earth.
The prayer is not just for the king's benefit, but for the benefit of all people, that they may be blessed and prosper under his rule.
The psalm also emphasizes the importance of worship and praise, with the phrase "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel" and the repeated use of the word "Amen".
The psalm is a prayer for the king, but it is also a prayer for the people, that they may be blessed and prosper under his rule.
The psalm highlights the importance of God's glory filling the whole earth.
The psalm is a call to worship and praise, with the repeated use of the word "Blessed" and the phrase "Amen and Amen".
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of the Trinity is implicit in Jesus' identity as the Christ of God and the Son of Man (Luke 9:20).
- The doctrine of the atonement is hinted at in Jesus' warning about his future suffering and death (Luke 9:22).
- The doctrine of the image of God is implicit in Jesus' teaching about the importance of self-denial and sacrifice (Luke 9:23-25).
- The doctrine of the kingdom of God is central to Jesus' teaching and mission, emphasizing the presence of God's kingdom in the midst of suffering (Luke 9:27).
Common Objections
<objection> "How can we be sure that the king will be just and righteous?"
Response: The psalm emphasizes the importance of prayer and asking God to give the king the qualities necessary to be a just and righteous ruler.
<objection> "What about the king's past mistakes and failures?"
Response: The psalm does not focus on the king's past, but rather on his future and the qualities he should possess as a just and righteous ruler.
<objection> "How can we trust that God will answer our prayers and give the king the qualities we ask for?"
Response: The psalm emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, and the psalmist's confidence in God's ability to answer prayer.
Tensions
The tension between the king's role as a just and righteous ruler and his own personal struggles and weaknesses.
The tension between the king's desire for power and wealth, and the need for him to prioritize justice and righteousness.
The tension between the king's role as a leader and his need for humility and dependence on God.
Application Questions
- How can we, as individuals, pray for our leaders and ask God to give them the qualities necessary to be just and righteous rulers?
- How can we, as a community, prioritize justice and righteousness in our own lives and in our relationships with those in power?
- How can we, as a church, support and pray for our leaders, that they may be blessed and prosper under God's rule?
Proverbs 12:8-9
Core Claim
A person's character, specifically their good sense, is the primary factor in determining their worth and value in the eyes of God.
Commentary
The concept of "good sense" in Proverbs 12:8-9 refers to a person's wisdom, discernment, and moral character.
The phrase "twisted mind" suggests a person who is morally corrupt, foolish, and lacks self-control.
The contrast between good sense and twisted mind highlights the importance of character in determining one's value and worth.
The use of the word "commended" in verse 8 emphasizes the positive value placed on good sense.
The phrase "despised" in verse 8 suggests a strong negative judgment on those with twisted minds.
The contrast between being lowly and being a great man in verse 9 highlights the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.
The image of the great man lacking bread in verse 9 suggests that material wealth and status are not as important as spiritual character.
The image of the lowly having a servant in verse 9 suggests that true wealth and security come from a relationship with God.
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of the image of God, which emphasizes the importance of human character and moral responsibility
- The doctrine of the covenant, which highlights the importance of relationship with God and obedience to His commands
- The doctrine of atonement, which emphasizes the importance of spiritual character and moral responsibility in determining one's relationship with God
Common Objections
But what about people who are successful and wealthy, but lack good sense?"
Response: This objection highlights the tension between material success and spiritual character, but it does not negate the importance of good sense in determining one's value and worth.
Isn't this just a social commentary on the class system of ancient Israel?"
Response: While the passage does contain social commentary, its primary focus is on the importance of character in determining one's value and worth.
How can we apply this to modern society, where success is often measured by material wealth and status?"
Response: This objection highlights the challenge of applying ancient wisdom to modern contexts, but it does not negate the timeless importance of good sense and character.
Tensions
The tension between material success and spiritual character
The challenge of applying ancient wisdom to modern contexts
The difficulty of defining and measuring good sense and character
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate good sense and character in our own lives?
- How can we balance the importance of material success with the importance of spiritual character?
- How can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 12:8-9 to modern contexts and challenges?