No Greater Love

February 14, 2013            Lev 4–6, Matt 26:57–75, Ps 22:22–31, Prov 4:20–22

Leviticus 4-6

Chapter 4 explains the sin offering, which was for unintentional sins, rather than deliberate disobedience.  We cannot plead ignorance before a holy God. Jesus is our sin offering according to Luke 23:34, Acts 3:17, and Hebrews 10:1-14. Praise be to God that Jesus died once for all.

Chapter 5 described the trespass offering. When we sin it does harm others. Read 1 John 1:9 and claim that promise.

Chapter 6 gives special instructions for the sacrifices.

The fire was to never to be allowed to go out. What is the spiritual application here?

Matthew 26:57-75

We see Jesus’ trial before the High Priest and Peter’s denial of Christ in this text. 

Does this trial seem fair? How does Jesus conduct Himself? What can we learn from this?
Why does Peter do what he does here?

Psalm 22:22-31

While the Cross should bring us to tears of pain, it should also bring us tears of joy and thankfulness. The psalm changes its tone here to reflect that a victory has been won.

Here the mood of the psalm changes. Christ’s victory over death is the occasion of great joy. After the suffering of the cross, Christ rejoined his disciples (Matt 28:10; John 20:17). The author of Hebrews applies this verse to the Savior. He identifies the assembly of this verse as the church (Heb 2:11ff).

The resurrection was the answer to Christ’s calls for deliverance. He was not delivered from death, but was triumphant over death. This leads us to worship the Lord for His victory.

Proverbs 4:20-22

Do you take God’s word into your heart and cherish it?

Praise God today for His love.

Praise Him for the Cross and for His victory in the Resurrection.