Exodus 2:11-3:22
Big Idea
God's presence and plan to deliver his people from slavery is revealed through Moses.
Commentary
The passage begins with Moses' encounter with an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, which sets in motion the events that will lead to Moses' commissioning as a leader.
Moses' fear and self-doubt are evident when he kills the Egyptian and then flees to Midian.
In Midian, Moses marries Zipporah and has a son, Gershom, but his true identity and purpose remain unclear.
The Israelites groan under slavery and cry out for help, which God hears and remembers his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
At Mount Horeb, God appears to Moses in a burning bush and commissions him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt.
Moses is hesitant but God reassures him of his presence and gives him instructions for delivering the Israelites.
The passage emphasizes God's sovereignty and power as he promises to bring the Israelites out of slavery and into a good land.
Claims
- God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:6).
- Moses is commissioned by God to deliver the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 3:10).
- The Israelites will be brought out of slavery and into a good land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The passage implies that Moses was a prince or judge over the Hebrews, but this is not explicitly stated.
Correction
Moses was actually a humble shepherd who later became a leader.
Misunderstanding
God's promise to bring the Israelites out of slavery and into a good land is often seen as a guarantee of physical prosperity, but it also has spiritual implications.
Correction
The passage emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, but it also highlights the importance of faith and obedience.
Application Questions
- What does Moses' encounter with the Egyptian beating a Hebrew reveal about his character?
- How does God's commissioning of Moses relate to his own identity and purpose?
- What are some implications of God's promise to bring the Israelites out of slavery and into a good land for our understanding of salvation?
Matthew 17:10-27
Big Idea
Jesus teaches about faith, explaining that even small amounts of faith can accomplish great things.
Commentary
The disciples ask Jesus why the scribes say Elijah must come first.
Jesus explains that Elijah has already come in the form of John the Baptist, but was not recognized as such.
A man approaches Jesus with a plea for his son's healing from seizures and suffering.
Jesus heals the boy by rebuking the demon, demonstrating his power over evil spirits.
The disciples ask why they couldn't heal the boy, and Jesus explains that it's because of their lack of faith.
Jesus teaches about the importance of faith, comparing it to a mustard seed that can move mountains.
Jesus predicts his own suffering and resurrection at human hands on the third day.
Peter is questioned by collectors of tax who ask if Jesus pays taxes, and Jesus instructs him to pay using a fish.
Claims
- Elijah has already come in the form of John the Baptist.
- The Son of Man will suffer at human hands but be raised on the third day.
- Faith like a mustard seed can move mountains.
- Kings collect taxes from others, not their own sons.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- The scribes' statement that Elijah must come first is taken literally, rather than understanding it as a reference to John the Baptist.
Correction
Jesus explains that Elijah has already come in the form of John the Baptist.
Misunderstanding
- The disciples think they can heal the boy with their own power, rather than recognizing their lack of faith.
Correction
Jesus explains that it's because of their lack of faith.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principle of small faith to our daily lives?
- What does it mean for us to have "little faith" like the disciples in this passage?
- In what ways can we demonstrate our trust in God's power and provision, even when faced with challenges?
Psalm 22:1-18
Big Idea
The Psalmist, David, expresses his distress and questions God's presence and help in a time of suffering.
Commentary
The Psalm is addressed to the choirmaster and is a lamentation of David's suffering.
The Psalmist cries out to God by day and night, but receives no answer.
Despite God's holiness and past deliverance, the Psalmist feels scorned and mocked by others.
The contrast between God's past deliverance and current absence is highlighted throughout the Psalm.
Many enemies surround David, including strong bulls and evildoers.
David describes his physical suffering and death in detail.
The Psalmist's trust in God is a recurring theme, despite feeling abandoned by Him.
God is addressed as "my God" multiple times, emphasizing their personal relationship.
The Psalm uses imagery from nature to describe the Psalmist's suffering, such as being poured out like water and having bones out of joint.
Claims
- God is holy and enthroned on the praises of Israel (v. 3).
- David trusts in God and has been rescued by Him in the past (vv. 4-5).
- The Psalmist feels scorned and mocked by others, but still trusts in God (vv. 6-8).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
You are forsaken because you have sinned
Correction
The Psalmist is not necessarily sinning, but rather experiencing a time of great suffering.
Misunderstanding
God has abandoned David because He no longer loves Him
Correction
The Psalmist's feelings of abandonment do not necessarily reflect God's love or lack thereof.
Application Questions
- How can we respond to times of suffering and feeling abandoned by God?
- What does it mean for God to be enthroned on the praises of Israel, and how can we participate in this praise?
- In what ways can we trust in God even when we feel scorned or mocked by others?
Proverbs 5:7-14
Big Idea
The passage warns sons against the dangers of an adulteress and the consequences of giving in to her allure.
Commentary
The father figure is addressing his sons, emphasizing the importance of listening to his words.
The warning about the adulteress is likely a reference to a seductive woman who leads men astray.
The contrast between "far from her" and "near the door of her house" highlights the need for distance and caution.
Giving honor and years to others implies surrendering one's values and life to someone or something unworthy.
Strangers will take advantage of the son's strength and labors, emphasizing the consequences of foolish decisions.
The end result is physical and emotional suffering, as well as regret over despising discipline and reproof.
The passage uses rhetorical markers like "Now" and "At the end of your life" to emphasize the urgency and finality of the warning.
The father figure's use of repetition ("Lest... lest") drives home the importance of heeding his advice.
Claims
- Giving in to an adulteress will lead to loss of honor and years.
- Strangers will take advantage of one's strength and labors if they are not protected.
- Despising discipline and reproof leads to regret and ruin.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The father figure is warning his sons about a literal, physical adulteress.
Correction
The passage is likely referring to a metaphorical or spiritual threat, such as sin or temptation.
Misunderstanding
The warning is only about physical consequences, not emotional or spiritual ones.
Correction
The passage emphasizes both physical and emotional suffering, as well as the regret of despising discipline and reproof.
Application Questions
- How can parents or authority figures effectively warn their children about the dangers of an adulteress?
- What are some modern-day equivalents to the "adulteress" in this passage, and how can we avoid falling prey to them?
- In what ways can giving honor and years to others lead to physical and emotional suffering?