There’s a lot of talk about the holiness of God and being holy. But what does it mean? Thankfully, God tells us in Leviticus 19-20, the Torah reading appropriately called קדשים Kedoshim, or “holiness[es].”
This study of Torah reading אַחֲרֵי מוֹת Acharei Mot (“after the deaths,” Leviticus 16–18) with 1Corinthians 5–6 explores complex modern moral issues, including organ donation, gender identity and spiritual decay. The seemingly paradoxical dual character of God as “high and lifted up” and “God with us” helps us understand the Messiah’s role as high priest and the two covering-removing offerings of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
These passages emphasize the need for spiritual discernment. Like a firewall against cyberattacks, we must filter thoughts and experiences through God’s words and recognizing whose voice we are listening to as we navigate the complexities of life, be they ancient or modern.
Should we feel shame for going against the Creator’s instructions? What do we do about that guilt?
Discussed at length in the New Testament letter to the Hebrews, Yom haKippurim (Day of Atonement) is one of the most important lessons in the parables connected to the Moedim (appointed times) of the LORD and the Tabernacle. It teaches the grace and mercy the Creator offers by covering all offenses, pointing to the work of the Mashiakh (Christ).
Yom haKippurim, the focus of the Torah reading אַחֲרֵי מוֹת Acharei Mot (“after the deaths,” Leviticus 16–18), is about freedom from the old life and getting closer to the Giver of Life.
The Bible’s seven-day commemoration of Matzot (Unleavened Bread) is tied to both Pesach (Passover; without leaven) and Shavuot (Pentecost; with leaven). Here are readings that focus on Messiah-related themes of the last day of the festival.
The Shabbat (Sabbath) during the seven days of Chag Matzot (Festival of Unleavened Bread) traditionally has special Bible readings that help us step back and reflect on the overarching messages of Lamb Selection Day, Pesakh (Passover), Matzot and Bikkurim (Firstfruits). These relate directly to the life and mission of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus).
The three signs Elohim gave Moshe (Moses) at the burning bush in Exodus 4 to show the elders of Israel revealed God knew intimately the horrors they endured during centuries of bondage in Mitzraim (Egypt).
First, the staff becoming a snake and back again symbolized how the “tribe” of Israel had been made contemptible in Egypt but was being restored, finally though the Red Sea crossing. Second, the leprous hand showed God saw their affliction as if they were stillborn infants, to which Moshe’s sister, Miriam, was compared. Third, turning a jug of water into blood red revealed that God witnessed their babies’ murders by Egypt into the Nile, which be expanded to grand scale in the first plague.
This study explores that through these signs addressing their specific traumas, God demonstrated to the elders that He heard, remembered, saw and knew His “first-born,” and God would gain justice for their sufferings in Egypt. This is a key lesson of Pesach (Passover) and Matzot (Unleavened Bread).
Because ancient Israel had to flee Egypt quickly during the Exodus and not let the dough to rise. Because Israel was afflicted in bondage in Egypt. These are a couple of the reasons the Torah gives for why these seven days of leaven-lessness following Passover are observed from generation to generation. Yet why does “leaven” get featured mention by Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) in the Gospels and by the Apostle Paul? Check out these Bible readings and related studies about Chag Matzot (Festival of Unleavened Bread) to discover the lessons that help us become alive in the Spirit of God.