Exodus 29:1-30:10
Big Idea
The passage describes the consecration and ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, including the rituals and sacrifices involved.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of ritual purity and the need for atonement through sacrifice.
The consecration of Aaron and his sons is a key moment in the establishment of the priesthood and the worship practices of Israel.
The use of specific materials and objects, such as the anointing oil and the holy garments, highlights the significance of these rituals.
The passage also emphasizes the importance of atonement for past sins through the sin offering.
The consecration of Aaron and his sons is a permanent institution, established by God's command.
The priests are set apart for sacred use, and their role is to serve as intermediaries between God and the people of Israel.
The passage describes the regular burnt offerings that will be made on the altar, including the daily lambs and the sin offering.
The consecration of the altar and the establishment of regular worship practices emphasize the importance of ritual purity and atonement.
Claims
- Aaron and his sons are consecrated as priests through a series of rituals and sacrifices.
- The anointing oil is poured on Aaron's head to anoint him as high priest.
- A sin offering is made for atonement using the bull's blood.
- Regular burnt offerings are established, with two lambs offered daily.
- Unauthorized incense offerings or sacrifices on the altar are forbidden.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The priests are only consecrated once, and then they can perform their duties without further ritual purification.
Correction
The priests must be re-consecrated regularly through the sin offering.
Misunderstanding
The anointing oil is only used for Aaron's ordination, and not for his sons.
Correction
The anointing oil is poured on both Aaron and his sons during their ordination.
Application Questions
- How can the consecration of Aaron and his sons be applied to modern Christian worship practices?
- What significance does the use of specific materials and objects have in the rituals described in this passage?
- In what ways do the regular burnt offerings described in this passage relate to modern Christian worship practices?
Matthew 26:14-46
Big Idea
Jesus' betrayal by Judas Iscariot is a pivotal event in Matthew 26:14-46.
Commentary
The passage describes the events leading up to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.
Jesus' betrayal is planned with the chief priests, who pay Judas thirty pieces of silver.
The disciples prepare for Passover at a designated house, where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper (Communion).
Jesus predicts his own betrayal during the meal, using bread and wine to symbolize his body and blood.
He also predicts the scattering of the disciples on the Mount of Olives.
Peter denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows.
Jesus prays in Gethsemane, asking God to let the cup pass from him.
Claims
- Jesus' body and blood are symbolized in bread and wine during the Lord's Supper (Communion).
- The Son of Man is betrayed as written in Scripture.
- Peter and other disciples promise to stand with Jesus, but ultimately deny him.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Judas Iscariot is paid 30 pieces of silver by the chief priests
Correction
This is true, but it's not a payment for his betrayal, rather a payment for his role in facilitating the arrest.
Misunderstanding
The Son of Man is betrayed as written in Scripture
Correction
This implies that Jesus' betrayal was predetermined and unavoidable, which is not entirely accurate. While Jesus' death was foretold in Scripture, his betrayal was still a human decision made by Judas.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the lessons from Jesus' betrayal to our own lives?
- What does it mean to "take, eat; this is my body" and how can we incorporate this into our spiritual practices?
Psalm 31:19-24
Big Idea
God's goodness is abundant and stored up for those who fear Him.
Commentary
The Psalmist emphasizes God's goodness as a key aspect of His character.
God's goodness is not just a feeling or emotion, but an action that He takes towards those who fear Him.
The phrase "in the sight of mankind" highlights God's concern for human perception and how He wants to be seen by humans.
The Psalmist uses rhetorical markers such as "Oh, how abundant is your goodness" to emphasize God's goodness and steadfast love.
The concept of "steadfast love" emphasizes God's enduring affection towards His people.
The Psalmist's use of repetition, such as the phrase "in the sight of mankind", adds emphasis and structure to the poem.
The contrast between fear and pride is a recurring theme in the passage, highlighting the importance of humility before God.
The Psalmist's expression of gratitude for God's mercy shows that He values His relationship with God above all else.
Claims
- God hides His people from human plots and stores them in His shelter (v. 20).
- God preserves the faithful but repays pride with abundance (v. 23).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
God only cares about those who are perfect"
Correction
God's goodness is abundant for those who fear Him, regardless of their flaws.
Misunderstanding
God is distant and uninvolved in human affairs"
Correction
God hides His people from human plots and stores them in His shelter.
Application Questions
- How can you cultivate a sense of awe and wonder at God's goodness?
- What does it mean to take refuge in God, and how can you apply this concept to your own life?
- In what ways can you express gratitude for God's mercy and steadfast love?
Proverbs 8:14-26
Big Idea
Wisdom is personified as a source of counsel and sound wisdom that benefits kings, rulers, princes, and nobles who follow her.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of love and diligence in finding wisdom.
Wisdom's fruit is compared to gold and silver, but considered more valuable.
She follows the path of righteousness and justice, granting an inheritance to those who love her.
The LORD possessed Wisdom at the beginning of his work, making her a fundamental aspect of creation.
Wisdom existed before the earth was formed, with no depths or springs, and before mountains were shaped.
She is associated with enduring wealth and righteousness, and fills the treasuries of those who love her.
Kings, rulers, princes, and nobles benefit from following Wisdom's counsel and decrees.
Love for Wisdom requires diligence to find her.
Claims
- Wisdom is a source of counsel and sound wisdom that benefits kings, rulers, princes, and nobles.
- Those who follow Wisdom will have just decrees and righteous rule.
- The value of Wisdom's fruit is greater than gold and silver.
- Wisdom follows the path of righteousness and justice.
- Those who love Wisdom receive an inheritance and filled treasuries.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Wisdom is only for kings, rulers, princes, and nobles
Correction
Wisdom is available to anyone who loves her.
Misunderstanding
Wisdom's value is measured by wealth and honor
Correction
Wisdom's true value lies in the benefits of following her path of righteousness and justice.
Application Questions
- How can you demonstrate love and diligence in seeking wisdom?
- What are some ways that following Wisdom's counsel and decrees can benefit your life or community?
- In what ways do you think Wisdom's fruit is more valuable than gold and silver?