Mission 66 Bible Commentary

Leviticus 17 and 19 teach about holiness in worship and daily life. Chapter 17 focuses on proper sacrifice practices, warning against drinking blood and demanding that offerings be made only at the tabernacle. This ensured sacred practices weren’t corrupted by pagan rituals. Chapter 19 emphasizes God's command to love others, showing concern for the poor, elderly, and strangers. It also stresses fairness, truthfulness, and respect in relationships. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains how these rules aimed to keep God’s people distinct from the immoral actions of surrounding pagan nations. These chapters remind us to honour God in worship and everyday actions. They challenge us to avoid spiritual compromise and treat others as God would—with justice, kindness, and love. Living by these principles glorifies God and uplifts those around us.

Leviticus 16 details Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when the priest would make sacrifices to cover the sins of Israel. This was the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, symbolizing atonement through blood—the bull and goats sacrificed, including the scapegoat sent into the wilderness carrying the people’s sins. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that while the Old Testament sacrifices temporarily covered sins, they had to be repeated yearly. Today, Jesus is our ultimate atonement, offering a perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. This chapter shows God’s immense grace, His demand for holiness, and the cost of resisting sin. It asks believers to live repentant lives and fully embrace the forgiveness offered through Christ. This lesson reminds us why Jesus’s sacrifice is so significant and challenges us to live in gratitude for the salvation He provides.

Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 focus on skin diseases like leprosy and the ceremonial rules surrounding them. The priests diagnosed and isolated lepers to protect the community and maintain tabernacle holiness. Our teacher, John Mathews, compares leprosy to sin—how it starts small, spreads, and damages lives. Sin, like disease, separates us from God and others. The chapters also remind us of Jesus touching and healing lepers, proving His power and breaking societal barriers. While we might not face physical leprosy today, these chapters encourage reflection on sin as an impurity needing purification. Jesus provides ultimate cleansing and restoration for all who turn to Him. This study reveals the importance of keeping purity in worship and resisting the spread of spiritual impurity in our lives and communities.

Leviticus 12 and 15 emphasize ceremonial purification related to everyday bodily functions. These chapters show that impurity isn’t always sinful—it’s often part of normal life. For instance, childbirth requires purification rituals, and bodily discharges make someone ceremonially unclean. Our teacher, John Mathews, explains that these rules helped ensure the holiness of the tabernacle, where God dwelled among His people. While these ceremonial laws are not needed today, they remind us of the larger point: separation from impurity and striving to live holy lives. Jesus broke the barriers that separated us from God, offering full and permanent forgiveness. However, these chapters challenge us to recognize the importance of maintaining purity—not just outwardly but in our hearts, as sin still distorts every part of humanity. God asks us to be set apart for Him, even in how we handle everyday aspects of life.

Leviticus 11 talks about pure and impure animals in the Old Testament dietary laws. These laws weren’t just about food—they taught deep spiritual lessons. Clean animals like those that chew their cud symbolize ruminating over God’s Word, while parted-hoof animals represent a separated, holy walk. Both traits are necessary to live a God-honouring life: focusing on the Word and living set apart from the world. God used these dietary laws to teach holiness, reminding the Israelites to stay distinct from pagan practices and impurities. While these ceremonial laws are no longer required for Christians today, striving for holiness remains important. Our teacher, John Mathews, reminds us that impurity doesn’t just come from outward things—it often comes from within. Ultimately, God calls us to be holy because He is holy, setting a higher standard for living lives that honour Him.

The theme for Leviticus 6-10 is “Holy Fire.” Aaron and his sons were chosen as priests to represent people before God. They were responsible for sacrifices as God instructed, reminding us to approach Him with reverence. When they followed God’s exact instructions, He demonstrated His approval through holy fire consuming the offering, showing that obedience matters. But Nadab and Abihu disrespected God by offering unauthorized "strange fire," leading to their immediate death—a warning against taking God lightly or disobeying His holiness. These chapters also show how God uses priests and church leaders to teach, guide, and offer sacrifices, pointing ahead to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest. Today, we approach God not through Old Testament priests but through Christ. We are all called to honour God deeply while being mindful of His holiness in our lives.

The theme of Leviticus 3-5 is “Peace With God and Man.” These chapters explain offerings meant to restore peace between people and God, and address how unintentional sins can be forgiven. The peace offering symbolized gratitude and a harmonious relationship with God, reminding us that gratitude strengthens our connection with Him. The sin offering covered unintentional sins, showing that all sin—whether small or accidental—interrupts our fellowship with God and requires atonement through the shedding of blood. The guilt offering focused on how sins and offenses against others required confession and restitution. These laws teach us to be thankful, confess wrongs, and repair relationships with neighbours. Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus paid the price for us through His blood, but peace with God and others still requires repentance, honesty, and humility.

In Leviticus 1-2, we see God establish a system of sacrifices to prepare His people to worship Him properly and deal with sin. The theme is “Worship Matters.” The sacrificial system showed that sin is serious and must be paid for—even unintentional sins. These sacrifices remind us that God is holy and cannot ignore sin, but they also point us toward Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice to take away sin permanently. Offering the best animals or grain demonstrated that worship should cost us something and involve effort. This is a challenge to give God our best in everything, trusting Him as our provider through offerings like the grain's “first fruits.” Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus redeemed us, but we’re still called to bring the best of our time, talents, and resources to honour God in worship and to demonstrate gratitude.

This part of the Bible describes how the tabernacle was built and how God manifested His glory in it. The tabernacle was a place of worship, representing God’s presence among His people—just like the Garden of Eden originally did. The tabernacle’s construction reminds us that serving God involves effort. God provided wisdom and skills to workers like Bezalel and Oholiab, as well as the materials needed to glorify Him. The completion of the tabernacle and the arrival of God’s glory within it show His faithfulness when we follow His instructions. It also represents God’s desire to live among His people and foreshadows Jesus, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Today, we are God’s tabernacles when we worship Him with true devotion.

The theme in Exodus 33-34 is “The Glory and the Veil.” God renews His covenant with Israel after their sin of worshiping the golden calf. Moses spent time in God's presence, and his face shone as a result. This reminds us of spending time with God transforms us in visible ways! Moses used a veil because Israel couldn’t fully grasp the glory of God, highlighting how unbelief veils hearts from seeing God’s glory. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, this veil is removed, revealing God’s love and greatness. We also learn that while Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law, His moral commands still matter today. God's love, patience, and willingness to forgive remind us that there’s always hope for us, no matter how far we’ve fallen, if we come to Him with a truly repentant heart.

While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites created a golden calf and fell into idolatry. This revealed their continued attachment to the sinful practices of Egypt. Moses interceded for the people, and God showed mercy, though consequences followed. This chapter reminds us that even after being saved, we must actively remove sin and worldly influences from our lives. God calls us to worship Him alone and to remain faithful, even when tempted to stray.

These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the consecration of the priests. The Ark of the Covenant was the centrepiece, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and authority. The priesthood and sacrifices allowed the Israelites to approach a holy God. However, the Ark and Tabernacle were temporary. In Christ, we now have a far better representation of God’s presence. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tabernacle, offering us direct access to God.

In these chapters, God reconfirms His covenant with the Israelites and provides instructions for building the Tabernacle, a physical representation of His presence among His people. The Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, and other sacred furnishings are described in detail. These items symbolize God’s holiness, provision, and authority. The Tabernacle served as a central place for worship, fostering unity among the Israelites. Ultimately, these foreshadow Christ, who perfectly fulfills God’s plan to dwell with His people.

These chapters contain laws that promote justice, compassion, and fairness in society. They cover topics such as slavery, personal injuries, property rights, and treatment of the vulnerable. These laws reflect God’s desire for His people to live in harmony and integrity. They also emphasize the importance of honesty, impartiality, and compassion for the poor and oppressed. While these laws were specific to ancient Israel, the principles of justice and mercy remain relevant today.

The theme for this study is "The Covenant of Law." In these chapters, God establishes His covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, giving the Ten Commandments as the foundation of His moral law. The Israelites are called to be a holy nation, set apart for God. God’s presence is revealed in thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire, demonstrating His holiness. The Ten Commandments remind us of God’s standards and show us how far short we fall, pointing us to our need for salvation through Jesus Christ. While we cannot perfectly keep the law, it remains a guide for godly living, and our obedience reflects our gratitude for God’s grace.

In Exodus 17-18, the theme “Don’t Be in Dismay, Pray!” highlights God’s provision and guidance during challenges. In chapter 17, the Israelites complain about thirst, and God provides water from a rock. When the Amalekites attack, Moses prays while Joshua leads the battle. God’s power prevails when Moses’ hands are lifted, teaching the importance of prayer and teamwork. In chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This wisdom helps Moses avoid burnout and trains others for leadership. These chapters remind us that God provides for both our physical and spiritual needs when we trust Him.

In Exodus 15-16, the theme “Praise or Complaint?” contrasts the Israelites’ joy after crossing the Red Sea with their complaints in the wilderness. Chapter 15 begins with a joyful song of victory, praising God for His power and deliverance. But soon after, the people complain about bitter water and food shortages. God provides sweet water and manna, teaching them to trust Him daily. Manna, described as “bread from heaven,” symbolizes God’s provision and points to Jesus as the Bread of Life. These chapters remind us to choose gratitude over grumbling and trust God to meet our needs.

In Exodus 13-14, the theme “Stand Firm and See” shows us how God leads His people. After freeing the Israelites from slavery, God leads them to the Red Sea, where Pharaoh’s army traps them. The Israelites panic, but Moses tells them to trust God. God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land while drowning Pharaoh’s army. This incredible miracle demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness. Chapter 13 also introduces the importance of dedicating firstborns to God and celebrating the Passover as a reminder of His deliverance. These chapters teach us to trust God, even in impossible situations, and to remember His faithfulness.

In Exodus 11-12, the theme is “The First Passover.” God prepares to deliver the final and most devastating plague: the death of the firstborn in Egypt. However, He gives the Israelites specific instructions to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act of faith protects their households from the death angel. The Israelites obey, and the plague strikes Egypt, leading Pharaoh to finally release them. The Passover foreshadows Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice brings salvation. These chapters remind us of God’s power, His deliverance of His people, and the importance of obedience and faith in His plan.

In Exodus 9-10, we see the theme “The Gathering Storms.” Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to obey God’s command to release the Israelites, and as a result, the plagues intensify. From the death of livestock to painful boils, destructive hail, locusts, and even a thick darkness, Egypt is devastated. Despite these signs, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. These chapters teach us the importance of listening to God and responding to His warnings before the consequences escalate. God demonstrates His power, control over nature, and care for His people, sparing the Israelites from the plagues. The lesson is clear: we must obey God the first time and not let our hearts grow hard like Pharaoh’s.

In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, unfolds the narrative of Moses confronting Pharaoh with divine signs and plagues, demonstrating God's power over Egypt's gods and the stubbornness of human hearts.

In this study, our teacher, John Mathews, discusses the challenges faced by Moses and the Israelites as they strive for freedom from slavery in Egypt. The theme revolves around facing difficulties with faith and trust in God's promises.

Chapter 4 reveals God equipping Moses with miraculous signs to convince the Hebrews and Pharaoh of his divine commission to lead the people out of Egypt. Through these signs, Moses learns to rely on God's power rather than his own strength.

This chapter delves into Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, where he receives his divine calling to confront the pharaoh and lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Through miraculous signs, God reassures Moses of his presence and power in fulfilling this mission.

In this chapter, we learn about Moses, a significant figure chosen by God to deliver the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Moses, despite his upbringing in the pharaoh’s palace, is revealed to be of Hebrew descent, setting the stage for his divine call to lead his people to freedom.

Exodus begins by recounting how God’s people, the Israelites, multiplied in Egypt after Joseph’s death. A new pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaved the Israelites and ruthlessly oppressed them out of fear of their growing population. Despite the pharaoh’s cruel orders, including infanticide, God preserved his people. Faithful midwives defied the king’s orders and obeyed God instead. The theme “during the time of slavery” reminds us that even in dark times of suffering, God is at work preparing deliverance and fulfilling his promises.

The final chapter of Genesis highlights two funerals—Jacob’s and Joseph’s—while showcasing Joseph’s full forgiveness of his brothers. After Jacob’s burial in Canaan, the brothers are filled with fear that Joseph might now seek revenge, but Joseph reassures them with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” This reminds us to stop complaining and trust that God can transform tragedy for His purposes. Even in death, Jacob and Joseph demonstrate unwavering faith in God’s covenant promises.

In Jacob’s final days, he blesses Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. God’s sovereignty is evident as Jacob crosses his hands and gives the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger brother. Likewise, God’s sovereignty is further demonstrated as Jacob blesses his own sons, revealing their future roles in the nation of Israel. The theme “looking ahead” reminds us God is in control of history and the future. Though we face uncertainty, we can trust God’s guidance over our lives and the lives of future generations.

These chapters detail the reunion of Jacob’s family with Joseph in Egypt during a severe famine. God assures Jacob of His plan to make Israel a great nation even in a foreign land. Jacob’s family prospers in Goshen, and Joseph administers Egypt’s resources wisely during the famine. God’s provision through Joseph is evident as He uses hardship to fulfill His promises and set the stage for Israel’s redemption story. This reminds us that even in times when we feel out of place (“foreigners in a strange land”), God is working for His glory and our good.

This section focuses on the remarkable story of reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. After enduring betrayal, imprisonment, and slavery, Joseph rose to power in Egypt. When famine struck, his brothers sought food but did not recognize the brother they had wronged. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph tested their hearts and chose forgiveness over bitterness. Joseph acknowledged that God had worked through their evil actions to bring about a greater good: the survival of many. This story demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and God’s ability to turn evil into good.

Genesis 42 is a poignant chapter where Joseph’s brothers unknowingly face him during the famine in Egypt. Joseph tests them to draw out repentance and gauges whether they have changed since selling him into slavery. The story emphasizes the weight of unresolved guilt and the power of God’s providence in restoring relationships. Joseph’s brothers begin to confront their past mistakes, leading to eventual reconciliation and healing in the chapters to come.

In Genesis 40-41, Joseph interprets dreams in prison, and his reputation eventually reaches Pharaoh, who is deeply troubled by his own dreams. Pharaoh’s visions of cows and grain foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph's wisdom leads to his promotion to second-in-command over Egypt, tasked with preparing for the famine. These chapters reveal how God’s timing is perfect and how faithfulness through trials positions us for His greater purpose and blessings.

Genesis 39 continues Joseph’s story, revealing his integrity under great temptation. As a slave in Potiphar’s house, Joseph prospers because the Lord is with him. Potiphar’s wife tries relentlessly to seduce him, but Joseph refuses, declaring his loyalty both to God and his master. Though falsely accused, he remains steadfast in prison, where he finds favour with the prison keeper. This chapter reminds us that doing the right thing often brings temporary hardship but ultimately leads to God’s favour and reward.

Genesis 38 shifts focus to Judah and his family, highlighting immorality and broken promises. Judah's two wicked sons die, and Tamar, the widow of Judah's eldest son, seeks justice through unconventional means. She disguises herself as a prostitute and tricks Judah into fathering twin sons, Perez and Zerah. The chapter reveals themes of sin, hypocrisy, and God’s grace, showing that even flawed individuals are woven into His redemptive plan. Perez becomes part of the lineage of Jesus, demonstrating the surprising ways God works through human frailty.

Genesis 37 introduces us to Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, who is given a colourful robe—a sign of favouritism that stirs jealousy among his brothers. Joseph’s dreams foretelling his future greatness add fuel to the fire. The chapter highlights themes such as sibling rivalry, betrayal, and God’s sovereignty during trials. Despite the dysfunction in Jacob’s family, God begins to set the stage for His plan through Joseph. The chapter ends with Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery, unknowingly advancing God's greater purpose to bring salvation through Joseph’s later role in Egypt.

The theme is Opposite Sides. Jacob’s family becomes more devoted to God’s covenant by purifying themselves and rejecting idols, while Esau and his descendants move away from the covenant and ally themselves with ungodly nations. This chapter demonstrates separation—not merely physical but spiritual—between those who follow God and those who reject Him. The story urges us to evaluate which side we are on: God’s side or the world’s side.

The theme is The Danger of Vengeance. Dinah, Jacob's daughter, is defiled by Shechem, but rather than seeking just resolution, Simeon and Levi exact violent revenge, killing all the males in the city. Their actions brought trouble to Jacob's household and dishonoured God’s ways. This chapter teaches us that vengeance belongs to God, and our anger can lead to sin. God calls us to humility and trust in His justice instead of seeking personal revenge.

The theme is Wrestling with God. Jacob wrestles in prayer and literally with the angel of God, learning to surrender his fears and trust in God’s provision. God gives him a new name, Israel, meaning "he struggles with God." Jacob’s reunion with Esau, which he feared would end violently, turns out to be peaceful, showing how God can calm situations when we trust Him. Jacob learned that relying on God rather than schemes leads to blessing, and that wrestling with God in prayer can bring transformation.

The theme for today is Jacob on the Run. Jacob decided to leave Laban’s oppressive household and return to his homeland, prompted by God. Despite Laban’s attempts to cheat Jacob repeatedly, God protected and prospered him. As Jacob fled, Laban pursued him, but God warned Laban against harming Jacob. This chapter highlights God’s justice and provision—God sees all injustice and acts in His time. Jacob’s confrontation with Laban teaches us about dealing with false accusations and trusting God’s protection, even when circumstances seem hostile. Justice may take time, but God always prevails.

Today’s theme is Honesty is the Best Investment. Jacob suffered deceit and unfair treatment from his uncle Laban, yet God continued blessing him. Despite Laban’s schemes to diminish Jacob's prosperity, God intervened to give Jacob fruitful livestock and a growing family. This chapter shows us that God’s blessings come not through human effort or tricks but through faith and divine provision. Jacob learned that relying on superstitions and personal schemes is futile, as prosperity ultimately depends on God’s generosity. The story emphasizes that even when others are dishonest, God’s faithfulness prevails.

Genesis 29 recounts Jacob’s encounter with Laban, leading to deceit and “double trouble” in Jacob’s marriage. Jacob’s desire to marry Rachel led to hard work and patience. Laban tricked him, first giving him Leah instead, revealing the consequences of deception. This chapter shows how Jacob began to reap what he sowed, with interpersonal conflicts and favouritism causing rivalry between Leah and Rachel. Despite human struggles, God showed favour toward Leah by blessing her with children. God uses the imperfect relationships of people to further his purposes.

Genesis 28 marks the beginning of Jacob’s personal journey toward faith. Alone and afraid in the wilderness, he dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, revealing God’s active presence and assurance of his promises. Jacob begins to understand the importance of spiritual connection, expressing awe at God’s revelation. Though Jacob’s faith starts small, God’s covenant promises encourage him to take steps forward. This chapter shows us how moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal, as God often speaks the loudest during our times of difficulty.

Genesis 27 depicts betrayal and God’s sovereignty over human failings. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, with his mother Rebekah’s help, to steal Esau’s blessing. Despite human manipulation, God’s purposes prevailed, as Jacob was ultimately chosen over Esau. Esau’s bitterness and hatred against Jacob remind us of the dangers of despising spiritual privileges and pursuing fleshly desires. This chapter teaches that while humans may act out of selfish motives, God is still able to accomplish his good and perfect plans.

Genesis 26 teaches us about repetitive human behaviour and God’s ongoing faithfulness. Isaac dealt with a famine like his father Abraham and repeated some mistakes, such as lying to Abimelech about his wife. Despite Isaac’s errors, God blessed him wherever he went. The chapter shows the importance of trusting God instead of leaning on fear and deception. Isaac’s ability to dig wells, symbolizing God’s provision, reminds us of the necessity of spiritual sustenance, represented by the living water of the Holy Spirit. Even amid human flaws, God’s purpose prevails.

In Genesis 25, we see the end of Abraham’s life and the continuation of God’s promises through his sons. The theme is God’s sovereign choices and the importance of valuing spiritual blessings. Society often judges based on outward appearances, but God values unseen qualities. Esau disqualified himself because he despised his birthright, prioritizing temporary needs above eternal blessings. This chapter reminds us to seek spiritual things and trust in God’s purpose. Generations pass, but God’s plan of redemption remains steadfast.

In Genesis Chapters 23 and 24, we see the transition from mourning to joy as Abraham deals with the death of his wife, Sarah, and then finds a wife for his son, Isaac. God works behind the scenes to fulfill his promises and bring blessings to Abraham’s family.

In Genesis 22, we see Abraham facing his greatest test of faith when God asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham shows his unwavering obedience and trust in God, ultimately being provided with a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God’s will, even in the most challenging circumstances.

In Genesis 20 and 21, we see how God fulfills his promise to Abraham and Sarah by giving them a son, Isaac, even though Sarah was barren. Despite various challenges and mistakes, God’s faithfulness prevails, showing that he always keeps his promises, even if it takes longer than expected.

In Genesis 19, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah showcases the consequences of living in sin and turning away from God. Lot and his family are rescued from the impending destruction, but not without facing the harsh realities of evil and judgment. This chapter serves as a warning against complacency and tolerance of sin, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in God.

In Genesis 18, we see the theme of “Justice and Mercy” play out as God reveals his plan to investigate the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes on behalf of his nephew Lot, pleading for mercy if 10 righteous people can be found in the city.