Leviticus 12-13

“When a person has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot …” (13:1). Without antibiotics, surgery, or hospitals, ancient people were always at risk of a disease quickly spreading through an entire community. In this case, the Israelites had regulations about different kinds of rashes, white spots, sores, etc, focusing on identifying the worst kinds (including leprosy) and isolating the person in order to prevent a group outbreak. Only a priest could pronounce someone “clean” and welcome them back into society.

Instead of withdrawing in fear, Jesus touched the unclean person and healed him. His own goodness and power are enough to bring wholeness to any situation we face.

Leviticus 11

“For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy” (v44). Though the Israelite dietary restrictions are hard for us to understand in terms of why certain foods were forbidden, the goal was clear: God wanted the Israelites to be a community set apart as belonging completely to Him. By including daily food choices in loyalty to God’s Law, the Israelites learned that they were to honor God with their entire lives, every day and hour.

“You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy” (v45). God doesn’t want us to just wear a religious label; He wants to dramatically transform every single part of our lives by His love.

Matthew 27

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom” (v50). The shocking reality of the innocent Son of God bearing the weight of our sins, experiencing our distance from the Father (v46), and undergoing death itself caused the world to fundamentally change. The curtain of the temple – symbol of our separation from a holy God – split in two, opening the way into God’s presence forever. As a foretaste of the future, many “saints” were resurrected (v53).

“And the earth shook, and the rocks were split” (v51). All creation was shaken when the King laid down his life to rescue us.

Matthew 26

“Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (v28). Jesus’ disciples struggled to understand how the powerful Messiah could face betrayal and death. Despite Jesus’ warnings (v2) and sorrowful preparation, one of his disciples still tried to defend him with a sword (v51-52). Yet “the blood of the covenant” – Jesus’ voluntary death – was the only way to bring about forgiveness of sins and new life.

“Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God” (v63). Jesus didn’t use spectacular force to defeat his enemies. The Son of God defeated sin and death by a greater power: his own sacrificial love

Psalm 18

“I love you, O Lord, my strength” (v1). The psalmist’s heart-felt declaration was born out of his experience with the Lord. When he was in desperate trouble and cried out, God heard him and came to rescue him. “He sent from on high; he took me, he drew me out of many waters” (v16). Over and over, the psalmist experienced God’s faithfulness in dark times. “The LORD my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall” (v28-29).

“He rescued me, because He delighted in me” (v19). When we realize our own need and call out to God, we experience His great love for us.

Leviticus 9-10

“Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering ... And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown” (9:24). Far from being an empty ritual, when the Israelites offered sacrifices by faith, according to God’s instructions, he was truly present in their midst. However, when Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized” incense to the Lord, as if they could control spiritual power, “they died before the Lord” (10:2). Humans did not control God’s holy presence.

“Before all the people I will be glorified” (10:3). God is glorified when we refuse to accept counterfeit, manipulative, or thoughtless worship, but instead recognize the privilege of being in his holy presence.

Leviticus 7-8

“As has been done today, the Lord has commanded to be done to make atonement for you” (8:34). Aaron and his sons, the priestly line among the Levites, had the special role of offering sacrifices (while the other Levites served generally in the temple). As ordinary humans, they needed to offer sacrifices for their own sins (8:14). Their unique role foreshadowed Jesus Christ, who is both our permanent high priest and our perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7:23-28).

“So you will not die” (8:35). The elaborate rituals of priests and sacrifices ensured that the Israelites could meet with the holy Creator and not die, until the day when Christ – through the sacrifice of himself – opened God’s presence to all who trust in him.

Leviticus 5-6

“If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor ...” (v2). All sin is “against the Lord”, but Leviticus acknowledges that sin often harms or dishonors a neighbor, as well. In the case of deception in business, such as a “deposit or security”, or through robbery, or oppression, or lying (v2-3), the person was required to sacrifice to the Lord (v6) and also to “restore” what had been taken by deceit, adding an additional twenty percent of its value (v5).

“Give it to him to whom it belongs” (v5). Making things right with God often includes making things right with other people, and, when we are at fault, doing or giving ‘extra’ to restore a broken relationship.

Leviticus 4

“If it is the anointed priest who sins, thus bringing guilt on the people, then he shall offer for the sin that he has committed a bull ...” (v3). Israel’s sacrificial system recognized that God’s people were interconnected, with distinct roles, not just individuals with their private sins. The high priest, for example, was anointed to mediate between God and people, and his sins had far-reaching effects. Thus, he was required to sacrifice a bull (rather than a goat, v27) and take the blood into the sacred “tent of meeting” (v5).

“He shall be forgiven” (v26, v31, v35). Leviticus describes different roles, yet spiritual equality. The actions of the high priest and the people had unique consequences, but they were equally in need of forgiveness.

Matthew 25:31-46

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you ...” (v34). In Jesus day, as in our own, there were competing ideas about what kind of people would “inherit” God’s kingdom. Jesus startled everyone by declaring that God did not use worldly measurements of religiosity, and culture and tribe did not matter. Instead, God was looking (among “all the nations”, v32) for those who loved the Son by ministering to those made in his image – especially “the least of these” (v45).

“You did it to me” (v40). We honor the King by doing as he did. When we serve those that our world despises - the needy, the stranger, the prisoner – we serve him.

Matthew 25:1-30

“Five of them were foolish, and five were wise” (v2). In Jesus’ parable about God’s kingdom, the wise virgins were serious about the bridegroom’s arrival, as well as their own role of waiting in the meantime. Although the bridegroom was “delayed,” the wise ones were well-prepared, kept their focus, and greeted him eagerly. In the parable of the talents (money), the unworthy servant was “afraid” because he thought his Master was a “hard man”; thus, he buried the Master’s resources.

“Watch therefore ...” (v13). When we know and love the Savior who is returning, we know how to live in the meantime. His ways, his words, and his purposes direct our steps.

Psalm 17

“Show me the wonders of your great love ...” (v7). The psalmist saw that living as if our “reward is in this life” leads to selfish, harmful (even violent) choices, and he made a choice to follow God’s path’s (v1-5). Surrounded by violent enemies, he claimed refuge in God, to whom he belonged. He cried out for more than safety; he wanted to be the “apple” of God’s eye, enjoying close fellowship with the Creator who knows each one of us intimately (v8).

“Hide me in the shadow of your wings” (v7-8). The battles we face in this world – physical, emotional, or spiritual – can leave us feeling exposed and alone. The Lord invites us to come close and rest in his great love for us.

Leviticus 2-3

“If he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall offer it before the Lord ... in front of the tent of meeting; and Aaron's sons shall throw its blood against the sides of the altar” (3:7). While only God could forgive sins, the symbolic ritual of sacrifices gave worshipers a way to express both thanks to the Lord and their need for atonement (1:4), and peace (3:6). The blood of the sacrifice was never consumed, but offered to God, symbolizing the value of life – God’s gift (3:17).

Regular sacrifices reminded the Israelites that there was a rift, a brokenness between them and God that needed constant repair, until the Lamb of God came to offer himself. Through his sacrifice, our sins are covered forever.

Leviticus 1

“If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord” (v3). Animal sacrifice was common in the ancient world, but Leviticus gave Israelite worshipers specific instructions to honor the Creator. The animal had to be without blemish (something valuable), and the Israelites were not to randomly sacrifice anywhere or anyhow; they were to come to the place where God’s presence dwelt.

Like us, Israelite worshipers wanted to get close to God and receive mercy. When they offered what they had, by faith, their sacrifices were a “pleasing aroma” to the Lord (1:17).

Exodus 39-40

“And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations” (40:15). Although all of Israel was called to be a “kingdom of priests,” representing God to the world and the world to God, Aaron’s descendants were chosen to offer sacrifices. The priests were anointed to represent everyone, and their garments included twelve gems engraved with the names of tribes, so that all the people were carried together into God’s holy presence (39:14).

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (40:34). In Christ, God’s glory took on flesh and came to dwell among us. As our permanent high priest, Jesus carries us, his redeemed brothers and sisters, into God’s holy presence (Hebrews 6:19-20).

Exodus 37-38

“And he made a mercy seat of pure gold” (37:6). The head craftsman, Bezalel, used gold for the important objects of the tabernacle, including the covering (“mercy seat”) of the ark of the covenant. Precious acacia wood, bronze, silver, and embroidered linens decorated the holy place, even though it was temporary. Eventually, the tabernacle would be replaced by a Temple, and that Temple would point toward Jesus Christ.

The “tabernacle of the testimony” (38:21), though temporary, testified to God’s saving acts, his rescue and his Word, and it pointed toward the day when God’s presence would not be in a place, but a Person. Now everyone is invited to the mercy seat (‘throne of grace’, Heb 4:16) to receive the forgiveness and rescue we need.

Matthew 24

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (v24). Jesus knew that his followers would face many competing voices – false ‘messiahs’ - promising to fix the world, fulfill their desires, and bring peace to chaos. He reassured them that his glorious return would be unmistakable (v29-31). Until then, they were called to resist deception and “stay awake” (v42), focused on doing his will and trusting his timeline (v44-48).

Jesus said that his followers, loyal to his ways, would be foreigners and exiles in “all nations” (v9). Yet, he calls us to share his good news with “all nations”, calling people out of darkness and into his kingdom of light.

Matthew 23

“They love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues ... and being called rabbi by others” (v6-7). The human bent toward sin means that even God’s amazing Law was used as a means to gain personal glory and have power over others. Jesus warned his listeners against the desire to be ‘above’ others (Rabbi, teacher, Father), instead of all submitting to his Lordship (v10). True moral leadership follows Jesus’ example of humility – “the greatest among you shall be your servant” (v11).

Like the Pharisees, our human pride and self-centered striving leave us “desolate” (v38). When we turn in humility to Christ, he tenderly gathers us into his kingdom “like a hen gathers her brood under her wings” (v37).

Psalm 16

“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure” (v5). Through the struggles and dramatic events of his life, the psalmist had learned that God “alone” was his security. Wealth, status, and health could be snatched away, and even close companions were not always reliable. He gave thanks for his blessings – his boundary lines had fallen in “pleasant places” – and recognized that, whatever his circumstances, lasting peace and joy came from the Lord. “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing” (v2).

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord ... I will not be shaken” (v8). Keeping our eyes on Jesus means that when our world is in upheaval, we stand firmly on the Rock.

Exodus 35-36

“And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab ... He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work” (35:34-35). The creation of the extraordinary tent of meeting was an opportunity for the Israelites to offer their best skills and possessions. God called “everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work” (36:2). Not only was God’s Spirit active in their work, but God also inspired experts to teach others, so that knowledge could be shared.

“The material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more” (36:7). Alone, we lack many things. But when we eagerly offer our skills and energies to the Lord, the Spirit moves among us to glorify Jesus in the world.