Leviticus
ויּקרא

Lesson 7

Primary texts:
    Leviticus 19
    Luke 10:25-37, Mt. 22:34-40, Rom. 13:8-10, Gal. 5:14
 

1. Consider Ruth 2:1-7, and 2:14-16, in light of Lev. 19:9-10. How would you characterize Boaz' observance of the law in this regard?
    
2. Lev. 10:12 is related to the 3rd commandment (Ex. 20:7). See also Dt. 6:13 and Dt. 10:20. In light of these passages, what is the meaning of the 3rd commandment? Is it about flippant uses of God's name as an expletive (which, of course, would be irreverent), or is it about something else?
   
   Loving One's Neighbor
    
3. In view of Mt. 22:34-40, Rom. 13:8-10, and Gal. 5:14, how important is the commandment of Lev. 19:17-18?
    
4. In Lev. 19:17-18, who qualifies as "your neighbor"?
    
   1. In Luke 10:25ff, Jesus was asked by a "lawyer" about the greatest commandment.  Compare Luke 11:45-46 with Mt. 23:1-4 and Mt. 22:35 with Mk. 12:28. Do you see another designation for a lawyer? A "lawyer" was an expert in what law?
       
   2. How well did the lawyer answer Jesus' question?
       
   3. What was it in Jesus' response in Lk. 10:28 that put the lawyer on the defensive?
       
   4. How did the lawyer attempt to justify himself?
       
   5. Is it reasonable to see Jesus as broadening the scope of the command to love one's neighbor?

    

5. What does Romans 13:10-12 say about loving one's neighbor, and what bearing does this have on the question of killing in war? (You may want to see a related article on this topic at www.centrevillechurchofchrist.org/smelser_j/warmcgrv.htm.)