Leviticus 13:1-59
Big Idea
The book of Leviticus provides laws and regulations for dealing with leprosy, a highly contagious and debilitating disease.
Commentary
The LORD speaks directly to Moses and Aaron, giving them instructions on how to diagnose and treat leprosy.
Leprosy is considered an unclean condition, requiring isolation from the community.
Priests play a crucial role in examining individuals with suspected leprosy and determining their status as clean or unclean.
The laws for dealing with leprosy are strict and detailed, reflecting the seriousness of the disease.
Leprosy can affect not only humans but also garments and other materials made from skin or wool.
The disease is characterized by white hair, raw flesh, and a spreading rash.
If the disease spreads, the individual is pronounced unclean and must be isolated.
However, if the disease does not spread after examination, the individual may be declared clean after a period of time.
Leprosy in garments or skin requires burning to prevent further contamination.
Cleanliness involves washing clothes and being examined by priests.
Claims
- If a person has a swelling or eruption on their skin that turns into leprosy, they must be brought to a priest for examination.
- White hair is an indicator of leprosy.
- Raw flesh is unclean, indicating leprosy.
- Leprosy in garments or skin requires burning if the disease persists.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
A person with leprosy can simply wash their clothes and be clean
Correction
Incorrect; washing clothes does not cure leprosy.
Misunderstanding
Leprosy only affects humans
Correction
Incorrect; leprosy can also affect garments and other materials made from skin or wool.
Application Questions
- What are the consequences for an individual who is declared unclean due to leprosy?
- How do priests determine whether a person has leprosy or not?
- What steps must be taken to prevent further contamination if someone with leprosy is in close proximity to others?
Mark 6:1-29
Big Idea
Jesus' hometown rejects him due to familiarity and lack of faith.
Commentary
People are astonished by Jesus' wisdom and mighty works.
They question how he can perform such feats as the son of a carpenter.
Jesus explains that prophets are not honored in their own hometowns.
He is unable to do many mighty works there due to unbelief.
The people's offense at Jesus stems from knowing him as a carpenter's son.
Herod believes Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead or Elijah.
King Herod beheads John the Baptist at his daughter's request due to oaths and guests.
Jesus' disciples are instructed to take nothing for their journey except a staff.
The apostles go out, proclaim repentance, cast out demons, and heal many.
Claims
- Jesus is rejected by his hometown because of familiarity and lack of faith.
- Herod believes Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead or Elijah.
- King Herod beheads John the Baptist at his daughter's request due to oaths and guests.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
People think Jesus is performing miracles because he is a powerful magician
Correction
Jesus' power comes from God.
Misunderstanding
Herod believes Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead or Elijah, but this is not necessarily true
Correction
Herod's interpretation of events.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to be rejected by one's own community?
- How can familiarity and lack of faith lead to offense at Jesus' teachings?
- What are some ways that people might misinterpret Jesus' identity or mission?
Psalm 39:1-13
Big Idea
The fleeting nature of human life is a central theme in Psalm 39.
Commentary
David's prayer is a reflection on the brevity of human existence.
He asks God to make him aware of his own mortality and the measure of his days.
David's heart becomes hot within him as he reflects on life, leading him to speak with his tongue about the fleeting nature of human life.
The psalmist acknowledges that all mankind is a mere breath, emphasizing the transience of human existence.
David hopes in God and waits for His deliverance from sin and its consequences.
He is mute and silent, unable to open his mouth due to God's actions, highlighting the powerlessness of humanity before God.
The psalmist reflects on the futility of human efforts, noting that man heaps up wealth without knowing who will gather it.
David prays for God to hear his prayer and give ear to his cry, emphasizing his dependence on God.
Claims
- All mankind stands as a mere breath (Psalm 39:5).
- Man goes about as a shadow (Psalm 39:6).
- Human efforts are in vain; man heaps up wealth without knowing who will gather it (Psalm 39:6).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The psalm is primarily about David's personal struggles with sin.>
Correction
The psalm is actually a reflection on the fleeting nature of human life and David's dependence on God.
Misunderstanding
<David is asking God to make him rich or prosperous.>
Correction
David is actually asking God to deliver him from transgressions and remove His stroke from him.
Application Questions
- How can we, like David, reflect on our own mortality and the brevity of human existence?
- In what ways can we acknowledge that all mankind is a mere breath and live in light of this reality?
- How can we hope in God and wait for His deliverance from sin and its consequences?
Proverbs 10:10
Big Idea
The verse highlights the negative consequences of two distinct behaviors: causing trouble through winking the eye, and being a babbling fool.
Commentary
The phrase "winking the eye" is often associated with deceit or dishonesty in biblical contexts.
This behavior is linked to causing trouble for others, implying that it can lead to conflict or harm.
A "babbling fool" refers to someone who speaks excessively and foolishly, without regard for wisdom or consequences.
The consequence of being a babbling fool is explicitly stated as coming to ruin, emphasizing the severe outcome of such behavior.
The shared outcome of both behaviors is trouble and ruin, underscoring their negative impact on individuals and potentially others.
Claims
- Whoever winks the eye causes trouble.
- A babbling fool will come to ruin.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The verse only warns against causing trouble through winking the eye, but not other forms of trouble.>
Correction
The verse actually implies that any form of trouble caused by one's actions can have severe consequences.
Misunderstanding
<A babbling fool is simply someone who talks a lot, and there's no issue with that.>
Correction
A babbling fool is characterized by excessive and foolish speech, which can lead to negative outcomes.
Application Questions
- How can being aware of the potential consequences of our words and actions help us avoid causing trouble?
- What are some ways to recognize when we or others may be engaging in babbling or foolish behavior?