In Matthew 15 we see instructions regarding the clean and the unclean (verses 1-20); then we see the faith of this Canaanite women in verses 21-28; then we see Jesus feed 4000 (in verses 29-39).

Leviticus 13 continues the instructions to the Levites. This chapter deals with skin diseases called Leprosy. Again, we worship a holy God and how we worship Him must be sacred. Additionally, God is setting up a Jewish nation state.

In Matthew 14 we see the death of John the Baptist; then the feeding of the 5000 (verses 13-21); followed by Jesus walking on water (verses 22-33) and lastly Jesus heals the sick. Special note: I believe John’s account in John 6:1-14 the only Gospel account that mentions the boy.

The feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle besides the resurrection that is reported in all 4 Gospels. Also notice, when a lot is going on Jesus retreats to prayer and so should we.

Leviticus 13:1-37:

Leviticus 13 continues the instructions to the Levites. This chapter deals with skin diseases called Leprosy. Again, we worship a holy God and how we worship Him must be sacred. Additionally, God is setting up a Jewish nation state.

In Matthew 13 Jesus teaches in parables. This is the 3rd of Jesus 5 major discourses. This is called the parabolic discourse because of the collection of parables. We see the sower and the soils (verses 1-23); we see the parable of the weeds (verses 24-30; 36-43); we see the parable of the mustard seed (verses 31-32); the parable of the leaven (verse 33); parable of hidden treasure (verse 44); the pearl of great value (verses 45-46); the net (verses 47-50).

In Leviticus 12 we see the uncleanness and purification of a woman after childbirth. There is an extended time of uncleanness and we really cannot be certain of why. This does not mean that women are inferior to men in any way. In reality, when dealing with women and uncleanness it seems that it has more to do with the loss of blood. The Bible teaches that life is in the blood and blood is sacred, so in reality it seems that this is really about recovery after a loss of blood.

In Leviticus 11 we see instructions about clean and unclean creatures. There is no consensus about why one is clean and another is not. For centuries people have tried to make it about hygiene or health or other reasons. We still see that God is holy and he is giving instructions for living in holiness, that is a set apart life for Him. God is setting up a Jewish nation-state, which was a Theocracy. God is their ruler.

In Matthew 12 we see that Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. We see Jesus heals many more people showing Him as God’s chosen servant. Then in verse 38 and following we see Jesus give the sign of Jonah. Lastly, in verses 48-50 Jesus tells who are His mother and brothers.

In Matthew 11 we see Jesus’ teaching about John the baptizer. Jesus says that John the baptizer was the one prophesied to prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus also shared that John fulfilled the prophesy of Elijah coming before the Messiah. John was not Elijah but came in the spirit of Elijah (Mal. 4:5). In verse 5, Jesus blended several Old Testament prophesies together to encourage John that He is the Messiah. Jesus then, beginning in verse 20, denounces unrepentant cities.

In Leviticus 10 we see the Nadab and Abihu incident. The Lord’s acceptance of Aaron’s offering is then followed by a rejection. This is because Nadab and Abihu did things on their own and not God’s way. They offered unauthorized fire (literally, strange fire). God is holy and how we worship Him must be in holiness. Thankfully, Jesus became our perfect sacrifice and restored our relationship with God.