Feb. 1, 2021

Exodus 22, Exodus 23, and Exodus 24

On Mount Sinai, the Lord continues his meeting with Moses by giving him various regulations about social justice for all people. Some of these laws protect immigrants, widows, orphans, and the poor from exploitation. God says that He is compassionate towards these groups.

The covenant was confirmed in three parts: a sacrifice, communion between God and the leaders of Israel, and the presence of the Lord.

Sacrifice admits our own sin before God and it addresses that need through the death of a substitute. Aaron, his sons, and the seventy elders of Israel share a meal in the presence of God as a part of the peace offering. Moses alone enters the cloud of the Lord’s presence that “was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain.” (Exodus 24:17)

Matthew 21:1-22

Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 by entering Jerusalem in humility riding on a colt. “Hosanna” means “O save!” and “Son of David” is the title of the Messiah who would come from the lineage of David.

Merchants and priests conspired together to exchange sacrificial animals at high prices. Jesus overturned the tables because his house was to be a house of prayer rather than a dishonest marketplace: “a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13) Jesus then turned in compassion to the blind and lame, healing them in the very court where outcasts were not allowed. 

Jesus curses the fig tree because it had only leaves and no fruit. This is a symbolic act of judgment against Jerusalem and its leaders who were rejecting the Messiah.

Make It Personal 
  • With the new covenant, we all may draw near to God through his Word and the substitute death of Jesus. How are you drawing near to Him today? (Examples of some ways: prayer, listening/singing to worship music, journaling) 
  • In both of the passages of Scripture, it is clear that God is compassionate and drawn to groups who are outcasts and in need. Take a moment to pray that you too would be drawn to these groups.


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