In Matthew 20 we see more parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. In verses 1-16 Jesus talks about laborers in a Vineyard. In verses 17-19 Jesus foretells His death a third time. In verses 20-28 Jesus talks about service as the mother of the sons of Zebedee asks that her sons can sit on his right and left. Then, in verses 29-34 Jesus heals two blind men.

In Leviticus 17 we have instruction about sacrifices. We have instructions about the place of the sacrifice and about the blood. We are taught not to eat blood. The life is in the blood. The Israelites are not to be like the pagans. The blood must go to the alter. This is to prevent idolatry.

In Matthew 19 we have teachings about divorce in verses 1-12 followed by teachings about children in verses 13-15, then the rich young man in verses 16-30. Chapters 19-20 are about the value of the kingdom community.

In Leviticus 16 we see instructions on the Day of Atonement. This is the holiest day of the Israel calendar. This teaches us what to do with our sin. The day of atonement is the calvary of the Old Testament. God provides a way for our sins to be covered and carried away forever.

In Matthew 18 we see teaching on who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven (verses 1-9); followed by temptations to sin (verses 7-9); followed by the parable of the lost sheep (verses 10-14); then starting in verse 15 and continuing until verse 20 we have teachings on confronting sin; in verses 21-35 we have teachings on forgiveness.

In Leviticus 15 we see laws about bodily discharges. Remember that Leviticus has to do with laws of the Levites and these laws continue. Remember we worship a holy God and how we worship Him must be in holiness, this means in sacredness. How we live must also be in holiness. In Leviticus God is setting up a Jewish nation state. Also, unclean DOES NOT mean in sin. These are different. They seemed to recognize that disease could be transferred by these fluids. With respect to verse 25, Leviticus 15:25 Jo Vitale of RZIM ministries shared: “what is the Bible protecting? This is not about women being dirty. This is about protecting women. Life is in the blood, this is more about mourning the loss of blood and about protecting the ability to bear children” (Ask away podcast on 01.08.2020).

In Matthew 17:1-13 we see the transfiguration, followed by the healing of a boy with a demon in verses 14-23. In verses 24-27 we see instructions on the temple tax.

In Leviticus 14:33-57 we read about how to know when a house is infected with a disease and needs cleansed.

In Matthew 16 we will see the Pharisees test Jesus with a demand for a sign in verses 1-4. Then in verses 5-12 Jesus talks about the yeasts of the Pharisees and Sadducees. In verses 13-20 we see Peter’s confession. In Verses 21-28 Jesus predicts His death.

In Leviticus chapter 14 we now read about readmitting lepers into the covenant community.