Leviticus 1:1-3:17
Big Idea
The book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions for offerings and sacrifices to God.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of pleasing aroma to the LORD.
Offerings must be made with a pleasing aroma to the LORD (Lev 1:9, 13; 2:2).
Burnt offering is a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD (Lev 1:17, 21).
Grain offerings are also considered food offerings with a pleasing aroma to the LORD (Lev 2:2, 9).
Salt is required for all grain offerings (Lev 2:13).
No leaven or honey in grain offerings (Lev 2:11).
Firstfruits can be offered, but not on the altar (Lev 23:10-14).
Fat and blood belong to the LORD (Lev 3:16; 7:25-27).
Sacrifice of peace offering is a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD (Lev 3:5, 16).
Peace offerings can be made from animals from the herd or flock (Lev 3:1-17).
The priest shall burn all fat on the altar as a food offering to the LORD (Lev 3:3-4, 9-10).
Claims
- Burnt offerings must be male without blemish (Lev 1:3, 10).
- Grain offerings can be made from fine flour or baked goods (Lev 2:1-16).
- Salt is required for all grain offerings (Lev 2:13).
- No leaven or honey in grain offerings (Lev 2:11).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The LORD only accepts burnt offerings, not other types of offerings.
Correction
The LORD accepts various types of offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings.
Misunderstanding
All fat belongs to the priests, not the LORD.
Correction
All fat belongs to the LORD (Lev 3:16; 7:25-27).
Application Questions
- What are some ways that individuals can apply the principles of Leviticus 1-3 in their daily lives?
- How does the emphasis on pleasing aroma to the LORD relate to modern worship practices?
Mark 1:29-2:12
Big Idea
Jesus demonstrates his authority to forgive sins and heal diseases through various miracles in Mark 1:29-2:12.
Commentary
The passage begins with Jesus leaving the synagogue and entering Simon's house, where he heals Simon's mother-in-law from a fever.
This event sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, showcasing Jesus' power to heal and forgive sins.
In the evening, Jesus heals many sick people and casts out demons, demonstrating his authority over evil spirits.
The next morning, Jesus prays in a desolate place before going to preach in Galilee, highlighting his need for solitude and spiritual rejuvenation.
A leper is healed by Jesus, but is told not to speak of it publicly, illustrating the tension between Jesus' desire for secrecy and the public's demand for recognition.
In Capernaum, Jesus heals a paralytic, proving his authority to forgive sins and demonstrating that he has power on earth.
The scribes question Jesus' ability to forgive sins, but he proves them wrong by healing the paralytic and showing that he has authority from God.
Claims
- Jesus has authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10).
- Jesus has authority over evil spirits (Mark 1:34).
- Jesus can heal diseases such as leprosy (Mark 1:41).
- Jesus' power is not limited by human limitations (Mark 1:35).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Lepers were required to show themselves to the priest and offer sacrifices for cleansing, but this was a Jewish law, not a command from Moses.
Correction
The passage actually quotes Moses as the source of the law.
Misunderstanding
Jesus healed many people in one day, including Simon's mother-in-law, but he also took time to pray and rest.
Correction
This is not necessarily a misreading, but rather an observation about Jesus' character.
Application Questions
- How can we apply Jesus' authority to forgive sins in our own lives?
- What does it mean for Jesus to have power on earth?
- How can we balance the need for secrecy with the desire for recognition and public ministry?
Psalm 35:17-28
Big Idea
The Psalmist asks God to intervene on their behalf, rescuing them from destruction and vindicating them according to His righteousness.
Commentary
The Psalmist's enemies do not speak peace but devise words of deceit (v. 20).
The Psalmist compares themselves to a precious life among lions, emphasizing their vulnerability (v. 17).
The Psalmist asks God to vindicate them according to His righteousness, highlighting the importance of justice (v. 23-24).
Those who delight in the Psalmist's righteousness are to praise God and shout for joy (v. 28).
The Psalmist promises to thank and praise God in public (v. 18).
The Psalmist describes their enemies as wrongfully opposing them, and devising words of deceit (v. 19-21).
The Psalmist reminds God that He has seen their situation and should not be silent (v. 22).
Those who rejoice at the Psalmist's calamity are to be put to shame and disappointed altogether (v. 27-28).
Claims
- God is asked to rescue the Psalmist from destruction (v. 17).
- The Psalmist promises to thank and praise God in public (v. 18).
- Those who delight in the Psalmist's righteousness are to shout for joy and praise God (v. 28).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The Psalmist is asking God to ignore their enemies>'
Correction
'The Psalmist is actually asking God to intervene on their behalf, rescuing them from destruction.
Misunderstanding
<The Psalmist's enemies are justified in opposing them>'
Correction
'The Psalmist's enemies are wrongfully opposing them.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the Psalmist's request for vindication according to God's righteousness to your own life?
- What does it mean to delight in someone's righteousness, and how can you demonstrate this in your relationships?
Proverbs 9:13-18
Big Idea
The passage describes Woman Folly, a seductive figure who invites passersby to join her, but ultimately leads them to destruction.
Commentary
The woman is described as loud and seductive, yet knows nothing.
She sits at the door of her house or on high places in town, calling out to those passing by.
Her target audience are those going straight on their way, implying they are on a path of righteousness.
Woman Folly's invitation is an attempt to lure them away from their intended course.
The simple person is invited to turn in and join her, but this is actually a trap.
The lack of sense is associated with stolen water and secret bread, indicating that those who follow Woman Folly are engaging in illicit or hidden activities.
Dead guests in Sheol are not acknowledged by the simple person, implying that they are unaware of the consequences of their actions.
Claims
- Woman Folly's seductive nature is a facade for her ignorance.
- Those who lack sense are drawn to her because she offers them stolen water and secret bread.
- The dead in Sheol are present at Woman Folly's gatherings, but the simple person is unaware of this reality.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
Woman Folly is a benevolent figure offering hospitality. -> <correction> Woman Folly is actually a seductive and deceitful character who lures people to destruction.
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
The passage is describing a literal, physical gathering where people are eating stolen food. -> <correction> The passage is using metaphorical language to describe the spiritual consequences of following Woman Folly.
Application Questions
- What are some modern-day equivalents of Woman Folly's seductive nature?
- How can we distinguish between genuine hospitality and deceitful invitations in our own lives?