Exodus 12:14-13:16
Big Idea
The Passover and Unleavened Bread are commanded by God to be observed forever.
Commentary
The Passover is a memorial day to remember God's deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
Unleavened bread is eaten for seven days, and no leavened bread shall be seen with them.
Only circumcised males may eat of the Passover.
A stranger who sojourns among them must be circumcised before eating the Passover.
The firstborn of all living creatures belong to God.
The Israelites are instructed to remember their deliverance from Egypt and keep the Passover as a statute forever.
The people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.
A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.
They baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for it was not leavened.
The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years.
At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.
Claims
- God commands the Israelites to observe the Passover and Unleavened Bread forever (Exodus 12:14).
- The firstborn of all living creatures belong to God (Exodus 13:2, 11-16).
- Only circumcised males may eat of the Passover (Exodus 12:48).
- A stranger who sojourns among them must be circumcised before eating the Passover (Exodus 12:48).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The Israelites were forced to leave Egypt quickly, which is why they didn't have time to let their dough rise.
Correction
They left Egypt in such haste that they didn't even have time to prepare provisions for themselves.
Misunderstanding
The Passover was only observed by the Israelites and not by the Egyptians.
Correction
Actually, it was the Egyptians who were struck down by God at midnight, while the Israelites were spared because of the blood on their doorposts.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the principle of remembering God's deliverance from slavery in Egypt to your own life?
- What does it mean to "keep the Passover" and how can you do this in a way that is meaningful to you?
- Why is it important for a stranger who sojourns among the Israelites to be circumcised before eating the Passover?
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Big Idea
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is a pivotal moment in his ministry, marked by healing, cleansing of the temple, and teaching about faith and prayer.
Commentary
The passage begins with Jesus' encounter with two blind men on the roadside, highlighting his compassion and power to heal.
The crowd's initial rebuke of the blind men shows their lack of understanding and faith in Jesus.
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is a fulfillment of prophecy, as he rides a donkey and is hailed by the crowds as the Son of David.
The cleansing of the temple is a dramatic event that highlights Jesus' authority and his desire to restore God's house to its original purpose.
The healing of the blind and lame in the temple demonstrates Jesus' power and compassion for all people, regardless of their physical or spiritual condition.
The chief priests and scribes are indignant at the children's praise of Jesus, showing their own lack of faith and understanding.
Jesus quotes scripture to defend the children's praise, emphasizing that even infants and nursing babies can bring glory to God.
The passage ends with Jesus' teaching on faith and prayer, encouraging his disciples to have confidence in God's power and provision.
Claims
- Jesus has the authority to heal physical blindness (Matthew 20:30-34).
- Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Matthew 21:4-5).
- The temple was intended to be a house of prayer, but had become a den of robbers (Matthew 21:13).
- Faith and prayer can move mountains and bring about God's power in our lives (Matthew 21:21-22).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
People were rebuking the blind men for crying out to Jesus
Correction
The crowd was initially rebuking them, but they continued to cry out for mercy.
Misunderstanding
The chief priests and scribes were indignant at the children's praise of Jesus because they thought it was a threat to their authority
Correction
They were indignant because they did not understand or appreciate the significance of the children's praise.
Application Questions
- What can we learn from Jesus' compassion and power to heal physical blindness?
- How can we apply the principle that faith and prayer can move mountains in our own lives?
- What does it mean for us to be a "house of prayer" like the temple, and how can we make our churches or homes more focused on prayer and worship?
Psalm 25:16-22
Big Idea
The psalmist is pleading with God for help and deliverance from their afflictions.
Commentary
The psalmist describes themselves as "lonely and afflicted" (v. 16), emphasizing their emotional state.
The troubles of the heart are enlarged, indicating a deep sense of distress (v. 17).
The psalmist requests consideration of their affliction and trouble, seeking forgiveness for their sins (v. 18).
Foes have violent hatred towards the psalmist, highlighting the danger they face (v. 19).
The psalmist trusts in God's integrity and uprightness to preserve them, despite their troubles (v. 21).
Israel's redemption from troubles is prayed for, emphasizing God's role as redeemer (v. 22).
The psalmist takes refuge in God, seeking protection and deliverance (v. 20).
Integrity and uprightness are seen as essential qualities for the psalmist's preservation (v. 21).
Claims
- God is gracious and merciful.
- Forgiveness of sins is available through prayer.
- God preserves those who trust in Him.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalmist is asking God to forgive their enemies
Correction
The psalmist is actually seeking forgiveness for their own sins.
Misunderstanding
God's integrity and uprightness are qualities that only benefit the psalmist, not others
Correction
God's integrity and uprightness are universal principles that apply to all people.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the psalmist's trust in God's integrity and uprightness to your own life?
- What does it mean to "take refuge" in God, as described in verse 20?
Proverbs 6:12-15
Big Idea
The passage describes the characteristics and consequences of a wicked person's behavior.
Commentary
The passage uses vivid imagery to describe the wicked man's behavior, emphasizing his intentional actions.
The use of "crooked speech" highlights the contrast between the man's words and intentions.
The non-verbal cues (winking, signaling, pointing) suggest that the man is intentionally manipulating others.
The phrase "perverted heart" emphasizes the man's deliberate choice to act wickedly.
The repetition of "continually sowing discord" underscores the severity of his actions.
The consequences described in the passage are severe and sudden, emphasizing the importance of avoiding such behavior.
Claims
- A person who continually sows discord will face calamity suddenly.
- A wicked man's behavior is characterized by crooked speech and non-verbal cues.
- A perverted heart leads to evil intentions and actions.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The wicked man is simply being himself.>
Correction
The passage emphasizes that the wicked man's behavior is a choice, not just his natural personality.
Misunderstanding
<Crooked speech only refers to verbal communication.>
Correction
The passage highlights the importance of non-verbal cues in understanding the wicked man's intentions.
Application Questions
- How can we identify individuals who are continually sowing discord?
- What are some ways to respond to someone who is using crooked speech or non-verbal cues to manipulate others?
- In what ways can we avoid being broken beyond healing by calamity, as described in the passage?