In this second lesson from the Wisdom of Sirach, we take a deep dive into the topic of money. Specifically, Sirach has much to say about the danger of putting our trust in wealth, rather than in God -- and how foolish this is. We look at both good and bad examples of reliance of
Blood is prominent in the book of Leviticus, and throughout Scripture. Why did the Lord always prohibit His people from drinking blood? Why was blood such an important part of the sacrificial system? And why did Jesus tell His followers that they must ‘drink His blood’ in order to have life? In this lesson we
This talk was given for the Society of the Two Tasks (S2T) at Harvard University. Teaching Notes
Prophecies About the Resurrection of Jesus (Harvard S2T Talk) View Lesson
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was to be commemorated each year, involving specific tasks by the High Priest and fasting by the people. Here we learn about washings, the mercy seat, scapegoats, sin and burnt offerings. Understanding these details will help us appreciate what Jesus, our High Priest, did on the cross to atone
(Caution: This may not be suitable for children. Parental discretion is advised). This chapter addresses the uncomfortable subject of various fluids being discharged from the body of a man or woman, that would thereby render the person unclean. We explore what a key term used might be referring to, and how this passage provides a
In this lesson we first tackle laws related to childbirth, which shed light on important passages in the New Testament related to the birth of Jesus. Next, we turn to laws regarding various forms of leprosy: leprosy of the skin (infectious disease), and leprosy of garments and the home (mold or mildew). We consider the
Laws Regarding Childbirth and Leprosy (Leviticus 12-14) View Lesson
Laws Regarding Childbirth and Leprosy (Leviticus 12-14) View Lesson
Should Christians today care about the distinction between the clean animals (which could be eaten by Jews) vs. the unclean animals (which could not)? Several passages in the New Testament explain that we are no longer bound by these rules. However, early Christians saw in them foreshadowings of important truths that continue. In this lesson
The Lord struck dead Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized incense. Why was the Lord so angry that He killed them? If the priests of the old covenant foreshadow us (as members of Christ’s priesthood) what are we to learn from this disturbing story? Also, has God become kinder and gentler under the new covenant?
Why should we care about the ordination of the first priests? If we study this passage carefully, we may find ourselves hidden in the story. Like them, we have been washed, clothed with special clothing, anointed, and called to a ministry of sacrifice and prayer. Also, we will see that this anointing points to the
We take a short break from our Leviticus series to take a closer look at Paul's letter to the Romans. The things we have learned so far in Leviticus help us understand Paul's message to the Christians in Rome, and what this means for us today. Here are reactions from two Christians who heard this