Thursday

14-Feb-

Leviticus 11-12; Ps 20; Mark 8

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Leviticus 12: What was the difference for the mother for purification for baby boys versus baby girls?

Mark 8: Why does Jesus rebuke the disciples? Compare verses 29 and verses 31-33. What does it mean to take up our cross? (v. 34)

Journal Prompt: After having witnessed the feeding of the 4,000 and the 5,000, the disciples’ faith was weak as they worried about having enough bread. How is your faith like that and what can you do about it?

Answers:

Leviticus 12:  After having a boy, the mother was unclean for seven days and then for 33 days.  After a baby girl, the mother was unclean for fourteen days and then for 66 days.  I know this seems kind of unfair, but consider this (from Enduring Word)     “Some also suggest the longer period of time in connection with the birth of a girl was because girls are usually smaller at birth, and this would allow more time for the mother’s focused care and attention on the child. As well, since sons were more prized, the longer time at home for a mother with a new born girl would force the family to bond more deeply, over a more extended period of time with the new born girl.”

Mark 8:  Jesus rebukes the disciples, because they are complaining about not having bread when they have just witnessed the miracles of feeding thousands of people.  It’s interesting to see how Peter declares Jesus to be the Christ and then turns around and rebukes Jesus when he doesn’t care for His message.

Take up our cross means to be ready to deny ourselves in order to follow Jesus.  We should be willing to go all the way – even if it means death.  This is extremely sobering.