Jan. 31, 2021
Stopping at the foot of Mount Sinai, one of the most tremendous events in the Bible begins to unfold. Moses was chosen by God to be His voice and send his commands to God’s people.
The Lord calls Israel to be “a kingdom of priests” to all the earth, mediating God’s presence and blessing to the nations around them (see Genesis 12:3). All the various laws, statutes, and regulations that follow are to set apart Israel from the corrupt practices of its neighbors. This covenant between God and Israel hopes to restore humanity to the original design of its creator.
“An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you. -Exodus 20:24
For the third time, Jesus predicts his death. This time, He gives new details about his crucifixion and resurrection. The references to the chief priests and the Gentiles add tension as Jesus and His disciples draw closer to Jerusalem.
When James and John’s mother requests her sons to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand, she thinks she is asking for a place of honor (see Matthew 19:28). The other disciples get flustered as they too are battling for the most coveted positions. But Jesus addresses them all to remind them that they will follow him into lives of service to the point of suffering and sacrificial death.
By calling Jesus “the son of David,” Matthew uses the two blind men to identify the promised Messiah. Ironically, these two blind men see Jesus’ true identity when others do not.
Make It Personal
- God called His people to be a kingdom of priests. How can you administer the love and blessings of God to those around you?
- As you pray today, ask God to show you what you can do to help those around you by serving sacrificially as Jesus served us.
Learn More
Check out this message from the Bible Project to learn more about what it meant for Israel to be a kingdom of priests in Exodus 19.