Exodus 28:1-43
Big Idea
The passage describes God's instructions to Moses for making holy garments for Aaron and his sons to serve as priests.
Commentary
The garments are made of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.
They include an ephod, a breastpiece, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash.
The ephod has onyx stones with the names of Israel's sons engraved on them.
The breastpiece contains judgment stones and Urim and Thummim for judgment.
The robe is made of blue fabric with pomegranates and bells.
A plate for the turban bears guilt from holy things.
Linen undergarments cover naked flesh for priests.
The garments are anointed and consecrated for priesthood.
They serve as a symbol of glory and beauty.
Claims
- God instructs Moses to make holy garments for Aaron's family.
- The garments are made with skillful craftsmanship, including gold filigree and intricate designs.
- The breastpiece contains judgment stones and Urim and Thummim for guidance in judgment.
- The robe has pomegranates and bells that produce a sound when worn.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Aaron's family is required to wear the holy garments at all times
Correction
They are only required to wear them while ministering in the Holy Place.
Misunderstanding
The breastpiece contains only judgment stones
Correction
It also contains Urim and Thummim for guidance.
Application Questions
- What role do the holy garments play in symbolizing God's glory and beauty?
- How do the onyx stones with Israel's sons' names engraved on them relate to Aaron's ministry?
- In what ways can the breastpiece of judgment be applied to modern-day decision-making?
Matthew 25:31-26:13
Big Idea
Jesus describes his coming judgment where people are separated into two groups based on their treatment of others.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes that the Son of Man's judgment is based on how people treated others in need.
The King separates people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats, indicating a distinction between those who helped and those who did not help Jesus.
Those on the right are blessed by God and inherit the kingdom prepared for them, while those on the left are cursed and punished eternally.
The righteous ask when they saw Jesus in need and the King answers them, emphasizing that helping or not helping Jesus is equivalent to helping or not helping others.
The woman anointing Jesus' head with ointment is seen as a beautiful act by Jesus, preparing him for burial.
The passage highlights the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, especially those who are in need.
Jesus' words emphasize that his presence among people is equivalent to the presence of God, and how people treat him reflects their relationship with God.
The passage also shows the contrast between the chief priests and elders plotting against Jesus and the woman's act of love and devotion towards him.
Claims
- Those who helped others in need will be rewarded with eternal life.
- Those who did not help others in need will be punished eternally.
- Helping or not helping Jesus is equivalent to helping or not helping others.
- The righteous will inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
The passage only talks about people being judged based on their treatment of others, but it also emphasizes that Jesus' presence among people is a reflection of God's presence.
Misunderstanding
> Correction: The passage highlights both aspects, emphasizing the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion.
Correction
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principles from this passage to our daily lives?
- What are some ways we can help those in need, especially the least of these?
- How can we show love and devotion towards Jesus in our actions and words?
Psalm 31:9-18
Big Idea
The psalmist cries out to God for rescue from enemies, distress, and grief, highlighting the contrast between life and sorrow.
Commentary
The psalmist's distress is physical as well as emotional, with their eye wasted from grief and soul and body affected.
Iniquity weakens strength and causes bones to waste away.
Adversaries cause the speaker to become a reproach and object of dread.
The speaker feels forgotten like one who is dead and becomes like a broken vessel.
Terror surrounds the speaker due to adversaries' schemes.
God's face shining on servant is asked for salvation.
Lying lips speaking against righteous are asked to be mute.
Claims
- God is gracious and can rescue from enemies (v. 9).
- The psalmist trusts in God, saying "You are my God" (v. 14).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalmist is asking for revenge on their enemies
Correction
The psalmist is asking for rescue and salvation from their enemies.
Misunderstanding
The psalmist's distress is only emotional
Correction
The psalmist's distress is both physical and emotional.
Application Questions
- How can we, like the psalmist, trust in God even when surrounded by adversity?
- What does it mean to have "my times in your hand" (v. 15), and how can we apply this to our own lives?
Proverbs 8:12-13
Big Idea
Wisdom is personified as a dwelling place for prudence.
Commentary
Wisdom introduces herself in Proverbs 8:12-13, emphasizing her relationship with prudence.
The presence of wisdom is associated with the virtues of knowledge and discretion.
Fear of the Lord is equated with hatred of evil, highlighting the importance of moral character.
Wisdom's hatred for pride, arrogance, and evil ways underscores the need for humility and righteousness.
Perverted speech is also condemned by wisdom, demonstrating her concern for moral integrity.
The passage presents a clear distinction between wisdom and foolishness, emphasizing the former as a desirable trait.
Wisdom's presence is not limited to intellectual pursuits but encompasses moral and spiritual aspects as well.
The fear of the Lord is not merely a feeling but a driving force behind hatred of evil.
Wisdom's hatred for evil ways implies a rejection of sinful behavior.
Claims
- Wisdom dwells with prudence (Proverbs 8:12).
- Fear of the Lord is equivalent to hatred of evil (Proverbs 8:13a).
- Wisdom hates pride, arrogance, and the way of evil (Proverbs 8:13b).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<Perverted speech is a minor issue for wisdom>
Correction
Perverted speech is explicitly condemned by wisdom in Proverbs 8:13.
Misunderstanding
<Wisdom's hatred for evil ways implies a lack of compassion>
Correction
Wisdom's hatred for evil ways actually demonstrates her concern for moral integrity and righteousness.
Application Questions
- How can one cultivate the fear of the Lord, which is equivalent to hatred of evil?
- What are some practical ways to demonstrate humility and reject pride and arrogance in daily life?
- In what ways can one apply wisdom's hatred for perverted speech in their interactions with others?