Week 7, February 11 - 17, 2018

The second half of Leviticus has more instructions for priests, but also includes commands for the whole nation similar to some found in Exodus.  In chapter 26 God gives the nation promises for obedience and warnings for disobedience.  The last few chapters of Matthew describe the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Sunday, February 11, Leviticus 15 - 16, Matthew 25

• Leviticus 15:31 says, "You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean."  Was God primarily concerned with good hygiene to keep the people healthy or with keeping pure in the sight of God to maintain a good relationship with Him?
• According to Leviticus 16 how often was the priest to enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the people?
• In Matthew 25 Jesus told the parable of the 10 virgins and concluded by saying, "Therefore keep watch..."  What should you be doing to keep watch since Jesus said no one knows the day or the hour of His coming?
• In Matthew 25:40 Jesus said, "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."  What opportunities do you have to help the "least of these"?

Monday, February 12, Leviticus 17 - 18, Psalm 19

• Leviticus 17:11 says, "it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life."  What does this mean?
• Leviticus 18 forbids sexual relationships with close relatives and is specific about which relatives are too close.  Some of these are blood relationships which could be forbidden to prevent inbreeding.  However, some of the relationships are not blood relationships.  What was God's purpose in forbidding these?
• The commands in Leviticus 18 begin and end with the statement, "I am the Lord your God."  Why is it important to accept God's authority in matters of sexual morality?
• The first half of Psalm 19 begins with, "The heavens declare the glory of God."  The second half begins with, "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul."  What can you learn about God from His creation?  What can you only learn from His revealed Word?

Tuesday, February 13, Leviticus 19 - 20, Matthew 26

• Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs people not to reap to the edges of a field, go over it a second time, or gather grapes that have fallen.  What principles in these verses are relevant to the way you manage your life?
• Leviticus 19:18 tells people not to seek revenge or bear a grudge.  How should a person let go of the desire for revenge if they have been wronged?
• Leviticus 20 prescribes severe punishment for several offenses.  Why were these punishments so severe?
• In Matthew 26:6-13 a woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus.  Why did the disciples think this was a waste?
• Why did Peter think he would never disown Jesus?
• When Jesus was praying in Gethsemane, why were His disciples unable to stay awake and pray with Him?

Wednesday, February 14, Leviticus 21 - 22, Psalm 20

• Why wouldn't God allow a descendant of Aaron who had a defect serve as a priest (Leviticus 21)?
• In Leviticus 22:32 God says, "I am the Lord, who made you holy."  What does it mean to be holy?
• David wrote in Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."  In America today, how would you complete the statement, "Some trust in..."?  What do you need to do keep your trust focused on God?

Thursday, February 15, Leviticus, 23 - 24, Matthew 27

• What purpose do you think God had in the annual festivals He required in Leviticus 23?
• Who was to eat the bread set before the Lord in Leviticus 24?
• If Judas was "seized with remorse" (Matthew 27:3) why didn't he repent and find forgiveness rather than committing suicide?
• If Jesus planned to go to the cross and was silent when accused, why did Pilate's wife have a dream and warn her husband?  Was that dream from God?
• Why would Pilate wash his hands, but then turn Jesus over to be crucified?
• Why was the curtain in the temple torn in two (Matthew 27:51)?

Friday, February 16, Leviticus 25 - 26, Psalm 21

• Why were Israelites commanded not to sow or prune during the seventh year.  Was this for the benefit of the people or of the land?
• In Leviticus 25, the Lord commands three times that Israelites that sell themselves because they have become poor are not to be treated ruthlessly (vs. 43, 46, and 53).  What would a person need to do to obey this command to not be ruthless?
• What promises did God make in Leviticus 26 to the nation if they were obedient?
• Psalm 21:6 says, "Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence."  What do you need to do to have the joy of God's presence?

Saturday, February 17, Leviticus 27, Matthew 28

• Leviticus 27 establishes rules for things that people have dedicated to the Lord through a vow.  Why would a person make such a vow?  Why would the Lord want to hold them to it?
• In Matthew 28, why were the chief priests and elders willing to pay the soldiers to lie about what happened to Jesus?  Since Jesus had risen from the dead, shouldn't they have wanted to repent?
• Where did Jesus say to go make disciples?