Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Big Idea
The passage from Leviticus 4:1-5:19 outlines the instructions given by God to Moses on sin offerings for unintentional sins.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of atonement and forgiveness in the Israelite community.
Sin offerings are required for unintentional sins, which can be committed by anyone, including anointed priests, leaders, common people, and even the congregation as a whole.
Different types of animals are used depending on social status and affordability, with goats or lambs being more accessible to common people.
The process of making atonement involves sprinkling blood seven times before the LORD in front of the veil, putting some blood on the horns of the altar, and pouring out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.
Atonement is also made through burning fat on the altar, which is a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
The passage highlights the importance of confession and making amends for unintentional sins.
Claims
- Sin offerings are required for unintentional sins committed by anyone in the Israelite community.
- Different types of animals can be used depending on social status and affordability.
- Atonement is made through sprinkling blood seven times before the LORD, putting some blood on the horns of the altar, and pouring out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<Misunderstanding>
Correction
God only requires sin offerings for intentional sins committed by leaders or common people.
Misunderstanding
<Misunderstanding>
Correction
The process of making atonement involves burning fat on the altar, but not sprinkling blood seven times before the LORD.
Application Questions
- What are some possible reasons why God requires sin offerings for unintentional sins?
- How does the process of making atonement reflect the importance of confession and making amends in the Israelite community?
- In what ways can the concept of sin offerings be applied to modern-day situations where people may have committed unintentional wrongs?
Mark 2:13-3:6
Big Idea
Jesus' mission is to call sinners, not the righteous.
Commentary
Jesus goes out again beside the sea and teaches the crowd.
He calls Levi son of Alphaeus to follow him, showing that he is willing to associate with those who are considered unclean by Jewish law.
Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners, causing scribes of the Pharisees to question his actions.
John's disciples and the Pharisees fast, but Jesus' disciples do not, highlighting a contrast between their ways of life.
Jesus explains that he came for sinners, not the righteous, emphasizing his mission to reach those who are considered outcasts by society.
Jesus uses a metaphor about new wine in old wineskins to explain his mission, illustrating the need for a new way of thinking and living.
On the Sabbath, Jesus and his disciples pluck grain, causing the Pharisees to question their actions, but Jesus defends his actions by citing David's example of eating bread from the Presence.
The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, highlighting the importance of human need over strict adherence to tradition.
Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, prompting the Pharisees to plot against him.
Claims
- Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do (Mark 2:17).
- I came not to call the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:17).
- The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day (Mark 3:5).
- No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; if he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made (Mark 2:21-22).
- New wine is for fresh wineskins (Mark 2:22).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<Jesus is being hypocritical by eating with tax collectors and sinners>
Correction
Jesus is actually showing his willingness to associate with those who are considered unclean by Jewish law.
Misunderstanding
<The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, means that humans can do whatever they want on the Sabbath>
Correction
This phrase emphasizes the importance of human need over strict adherence to tradition.
Application Questions
- How does Jesus' mission to call sinners, not the righteous, challenge traditional Jewish views of who is considered worthy of God's love?
- What does Jesus mean by saying that new wine requires fresh wineskins? How does this relate to his message and ministry?
- Why do you think the Pharisees are so opposed to Jesus' actions on the Sabbath? What do their reactions reveal about their understanding of God's law?
Psalm 36:1-12
Big Idea
God's character is described as steadfast love and righteousness.
Commentary
The psalmist describes the wicked person's heart as having no fear of God before their eyes.
Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in their heart, indicating a deliberate choice to sin.
The wicked person flatters themselves, thinking their iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
Their words are trouble and deceit, and they have ceased to act wisely and do good.
They plot trouble while on their bed, setting themselves in a way that is not good.
God's steadfast love extends to the heavens and His faithfulness to the clouds.
His righteousness is like the mountains of God, and His judgments are like the great deep.
Man and beast are saved by God.
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of God's wings.
They feast on the abundance of God's house and drink from the river of His delights.
With God is the fountain of life, and in His light we see light.
The psalmist asks God to continue His steadfast love and righteousness.
Claims
- God's character is described as steadfast love and righteousness.
- The wicked person has no fear of God before their eyes.
- God saves man and beast through His judgments.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The wicked are not necessarily evil, but rather ignorant of God's ways.
Correction
The wicked are those who deliberately choose to sin.
Misunderstanding
God's steadfast love only applies to the righteous.
Correction
God's steadfast love extends to all people, regardless of their righteousness.
Application Questions
- How can we apply God's character as described in this psalm to our own lives?
- What does it mean to have no fear of God before our eyes?
- How can we take refuge in the shadow of God's wings?
Proverbs 10:1-2
Big Idea
The book of Proverbs, attributed to King Solomon, offers wisdom on how to live a righteous life.
Commentary
The proverbs are a collection of sayings that convey practical wisdom for everyday living.
They are attributed to King Solomon, who is known for his wisdom and leadership in ancient Israel.
The book of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life, which is characterized by moral integrity and obedience to God's laws.
A wise son brings joy to his father, while a foolish son causes sorrow for his mother (Proverbs 10:1).
Treasures gained through wicked behavior do not provide lasting benefits (Proverbs 10:2).
Righteous living can rescue someone from death (Proverbs 10:2).
The proverbs are written in a way that is easy to understand and apply to daily life.
They offer guidance on how to make wise decisions, build strong relationships, and live a life of purpose.
Claims
- A wise son brings joy to his father.
- Treasures gained through wicked behavior do not provide lasting benefits.
- Righteous living can rescue someone from death.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The proverbs are only for old people>
Correction
The book of Proverbs is relevant for people of all ages, as it offers timeless wisdom on how to live a righteous life.
Misunderstanding
<A wise son will always be successful>
Correction
A wise son may not necessarily achieve success in the world's eyes, but he will bring joy and pride to his father.
Application Questions
- How can I apply the principle that a wise son brings joy to his father in my own life?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate righteousness in my daily decisions and actions?
- How can I avoid gaining treasures through wicked behavior, and instead focus on building a strong foundation of righteousness?