Exodus 30:11-31:18
Big Idea
The LORD gives detailed instructions to Moses for the people of Israel regarding atonement money, sacred anointing oil, incense, and keeping Sabbath holy.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of atonement money being collected from each person in the census, regardless of wealth or poverty.
Priests must wash their hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting or altar to avoid death.
Sacred anointing oil is made with specific ingredients and used for consecrating priests and holy objects.
Incense is blended as by the perfumer and used to purify the Holy Place.
Keeping Sabbath holy is a sign between God and the people of Israel, indicating their sanctification.
Working on the Sabbath day results in death, emphasizing its holiness.
The LORD appoints Bezalel and Oholiab with special abilities to make sacred objects.
The passage highlights the importance of following the instructions given by the LORD for making atonement money, sacred anointing oil, incense, and keeping Sabbath holy.
The use of specific ingredients in the sacred anointing oil emphasizes its holiness and uniqueness.
The passage also mentions that whoever compounds any like it or puts any of it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.
The LORD gives Moses two tablets of testimony written with the finger of God, which is a significant event in the passage.
Claims
- Atonement money is collected from each person in the census, regardless of wealth or poverty.
- Priests must wash their hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting or altar to avoid death.
- Sacred anointing oil is made with specific ingredients and used for consecrating priests and holy objects.
- Incense is blended as by the perfumer and used to purify the Holy Place.
- Keeping Sabbath holy is a sign between God and the people of Israel, indicating their sanctification.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The atonement money is only collected from the rich.
Correction
The atonement money is collected from each person in the census, regardless of wealth or poverty.
Misunderstanding
Priests do not need to wash their hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting or altar.
Correction
Priests must wash their hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting or altar to avoid death.
Application Questions
- What are some ways that individuals can apply the principle of keeping Sabbath holy in their daily lives?
- How can churches or communities work together to promote the importance of keeping Sabbath holy?
- What are some common misconceptions about atonement money, and how can they be addressed?
- In what ways can sacred anointing oil be used in modern worship services or rituals?
Matthew 26:47-68
Big Idea
Jesus' arrest and trial by the Jewish leaders, including the high priest Caiaphas, follows a series of events where he is betrayed by Judas with a crowd armed with swords and clubs.
Commentary
The passage describes the events leading up to Jesus' arrest in detail.
The role of Judas as the betrayer is highlighted, as well as his kiss that serves as a sign for the crowd to seize Jesus.
Jesus' response to being arrested, including his statement about not resisting evil and his reference to angels defending him, shows his commitment to fulfilling Scripture.
The high priest's questioning of Jesus, particularly about his identity as the Christ, Son of God, is significant in understanding the charges against Jesus.
The passage also highlights the reactions of the disciples, with Peter following Jesus at a distance but ultimately leaving him and fleeing.
Claims
- Jesus' statement that "all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:52) emphasizes his commitment to non-violence.
- Jesus claims to have the power to call down angels to defend him if necessary, highlighting his divine authority.
- The high priest's declaration of Jesus' words as blasphemy and calling for judgment against him underscores the seriousness of the charges against Jesus.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Judas is often seen as a villainous figure, but in this passage, he is simply carrying out what has been agreed upon by the Jewish leaders.
Correction
Misunderstanding
The crowd's actions are also misinterpreted as a spontaneous reaction to Jesus' teachings, rather than a premeditated arrest orchestrated by the chief priests and elders.
Correction
Application Questions
- How does Jesus' response to being arrested reflect his commitment to fulfilling Scripture?
- What can be learned from Jesus' statement about not resisting evil, even in the face of violence?
Psalm 32:1-11
Big Idea
The psalm emphasizes the importance of confessing sin to God and trusting in His forgiveness.
Commentary
The psalm is a Maskil of David, indicating it's a didactic poem meant to teach or instruct.
The term "Maskil" may imply a musical accompaniment, but its primary function is to convey spiritual truth.
The psalm uses the metaphor of silence and confession to illustrate the consequences of sin and the benefits of forgiveness.
The repetition of "Selah" marks pauses for reflection, emphasizing key points in the message.
The psalm highlights God's role as a protector, guide, and counselor, encouraging believers to trust in Him.
The contrast between the wicked and righteous individuals is a recurring theme throughout the passage.
David's personal experience serves as an example of the consequences of silence about sin and the benefits of confession.
Claims
- Confession of sin leads to forgiveness (v.5).
- God is a hiding place and protector from trouble (v.7).
- The Lord guides and counsels those who trust in Him (v.8).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Transgressions are forgiven automatically, without the need for confession
Correction
Confession of sin is necessary for forgiveness (v.5).
Misunderstanding
God's silence or lack of response indicates His disapproval
Correction
God's silence can be a call to prayer and reflection.
Application Questions
- How does David's experience in verses 3-4 relate to your own life, and what can you learn from his example?
- What are some ways you can apply the principle of confession and forgiveness in your daily life?
- In what ways can you trust in God as a protector, guide, and counselor?
Proverbs 8:27-32
Big Idea
The passage describes God's role as a master workman beside Him during creation.
Commentary
The speaker is God or a divine being.
The audience are referred to as "sons" or children of God, indicating a familial relationship with the creator.
God was present at key creation events, including establishing the heavens and assigning limits to the sea.
He describes Himself as a master workman beside Him during creation, emphasizing His role in shaping the world.
The passage highlights God's joy and delight in the world and humanity, indicating a deep affection for His creation.
The use of "I was there" and "I was beside him" emphasizes God's active participation in creation.
The speaker invites the audience to listen and follow His ways, promising blessing for those who do so.
Claims
- God was present at key creation events.
- He describes Himself as a master workman beside Him during creation.
- God expresses joy and delight in the world and humanity.
- Those who keep His ways will be blessed.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
God is distant from humanity. -> Correction: The passage emphasizes God's active participation in creation and His deep affection for humanity.
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
Creation was a solo effort by God. -> Correction: The passage describes God as working beside Him, indicating a collaborative or relational aspect to creation.
Application Questions
- How can we respond to God's invitation to listen and follow His ways?
- What does it mean to "keep His ways" in our daily lives?
- How can we cultivate a sense of joy and delight in the world and humanity, as described by God?