Leviticus 9:7-10:20
Big Idea
The passage describes the ritual of atonement through offerings in Leviticus 9:7-10:20.
Commentary
The chapter begins with God commanding Aaron to make atonement for himself and the people through offerings (Leviticus 9:7).
Moses instructs Aaron on how to offer sin, burnt, and peace offerings, as well as grain offerings (Leviticus 9:8-14).
Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized fire results in their death before the LORD (Leviticus 10:1-5).
Eleazar and Ithamar are instructed to eat the sin offering in the sanctuary, as it is most holy (Leviticus 10:12-20).
Moses instructs Aaron and his sons on distinguishing between holy and common, unclean and clean (Leviticus 10:10-11).
The passage emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
The ritual of atonement is a central theme in this chapter, highlighting the need for purification and forgiveness.
Claims
- God demands atonement through offerings to purify himself and his people (Leviticus 9:7).
- Unauthorized fire before the LORD results in death (Leviticus 10:1-5).
- Eleazar and Ithamar are instructed to eat the sin offering, as it is most holy (Leviticus 10:12-20).
- Aaron and his sons must distinguish between holy and common, unclean and clean (Leviticus 10:10-11).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Nadab and Abihu's death was a result of their disobedience to God's commands
Correction
Their death was actually a direct result of offering unauthorized fire before the LORD.
Misunderstanding
The sin offering is only for atonement, while the burnt offering is a sweet aroma to God
Correction
Both offerings are for atonement, with the burnt offering also being a sweet aroma.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to make atonement through offerings in this passage?
- How do Nadab and Abihu's actions demonstrate the importance of following God's commands?
- What role do Eleazar and Ithamar play in the ritual of atonement, and what significance does their eating of the sin offering hold?
Mark 4:26-5:20
Big Idea
The Kingdom of God is a mysterious and powerful force that can be compared to everyday things like seeds and mustard plants.
Commentary
Jesus teaches parables about the Kingdom of God using examples from nature.
He explains the meaning of the parables privately to his disciples.
A great windstorm arises on the sea, but Jesus calms it with a command.
The demon-possessed man (Legion) is freed and the demons enter pigs, causing them to drown in the sea.
The people from the city and country are afraid of Jesus after seeing what happened.
Jesus heals a man who had been possessed by Legion and tells him to go home and tell others about his healing.
The Kingdom of God is not just a spiritual concept, but it has real-world implications and effects on people's lives.
Jesus' power over nature and evil spirits demonstrates the authority and control he has as the Son of God.
The parables and stories in this passage are meant to convey spiritual truths and principles that can be applied to everyday life.
Claims
- The Kingdom of God is a mysterious and powerful force that can be compared to everyday things like seeds and mustard plants.
- Jesus has authority over nature and evil spirits, demonstrating his power as the Son of God.
- The parables and stories in this passage are meant to convey spiritual truths and principles that can be applied to everyday life.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
A man is possessed by an unclean spirit (Legion) because he is weak or sinful.
Correction
Actually, the demon-possessed man is not necessarily weak or sinful, but rather under the control of evil spirits.
Misunderstanding
Jesus sends the demons into pigs as a form of punishment for the people in the region.
Correction
Actually, Jesus gives permission to the unclean spirits to enter the pigs, but this is not a form of punishment.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principles and truths from the parables about the Kingdom of God to our everyday lives?
- What does it mean to have faith like the disciples who were afraid in the boat, but still trusted Jesus' power and authority?
- How can we respond to situations where evil spirits or demonic forces are at work, as seen in the story of Legion?
Psalm 37:30-40
Big Idea
God's people are characterized by wisdom, justice, and adherence to His law.
Commentary
The righteous person is described as one who utters wisdom and speaks justice with their tongue.
The law of God is internalized by the righteous person, guiding their steps and preventing them from slipping.
The wicked person seeks to harm the righteous but God intervenes on their behalf.
The phrase "Mark the blameless" suggests a call to observe and recognize those living uprightly.
The future for the man of peace (the righteous) is contrasted with the destruction of transgressors.
Waiting for the LORD and keeping His way leads to exaltation and inheritance of the land.
The wicked will be cut off, but the righteous will inherit the land.
Claims
- God's people are characterized by wisdom, justice, and adherence to His law.
- The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD, who is their stronghold in times of trouble.
- Waiting for the LORD and keeping His way leads to exaltation and inheritance of the land.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
A person who follows God's law will always be successful
Correction
Success is not guaranteed, but following God's law brings peace and security.
Misunderstanding
The wicked are punished immediately after they do wrong
Correction
Punishment may come later, in this life or the next.
Application Questions
- How can I internalize God's law in my heart and guide my steps accordingly?
- What does it mean to "wait for the LORD" and how can I apply this principle in my life?
Proverbs 10:6-7
Big Idea
God's blessings and judgments are evident in the lives of the righteous and wicked.
Commentary
Blessings are associated with God's favor, implying divine approval.
The phrase "on the head" suggests a crown or a symbol of honor.
The contrast between blessings and violence highlights the consequences of sin.
Righteous people's memories are considered blessings, emphasizing their positive impact.
Wicked people's names bring decay, indicating moral corruption.
The use of "rot" implies a gradual decline into moral decay.
The wicked person's mouth conceals violence, implying hidden intentions.
This passage emphasizes the importance of living righteously to receive God's blessings.
Claims
- God blesses those who live righteously.
- Wicked people hide their violent intentions behind a mask of innocence.
- Righteous people's memories are considered blessings by God.
- Wicked people's names bring decay and moral corruption.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The passage implies that wicked people openly confess their violence.
Correction
The passage actually states that the mouth of the wicked conceals violence, implying hidden intentions.
Misunderstanding
Blessings in this context only refer to material wealth.
Correction
The passage suggests that blessings are associated with God's favor and divine approval.
Application Questions
- How can we as Christians apply the principle of living righteously to receive God's blessings?
- What are some ways to conceal or hide our true intentions, like the wicked person in this passage?
- In what ways can we honor and remember righteous people who have made a positive impact on our lives?