Parasha Mishpatim – Year 2 – Be Righteous as Yahweh!
Shabbat Shalom, Nazarene family.
This week we will study the parasha Mishpatim, portion of year 2, where we will see several commandments given by Elohim at Mount Sinai. We will read some of the laws about the indemnities with which one must make restitution in case of causing harm to our fellow man. Also, we will see some laws about social justice that were dictated in order to maintain order and purity among the people. All these laws show us that Yahweh is an Elohim of justice and that just as He is just, He also wants us to be just like Him.
Shemote (Exodus) 23:8-9
8 And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.
9 “Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
This week corresponds to the reading of the texts (in bold):
- Shemote (Exodus) 21:1-22:3 / 22:4-23:19 / 23:20-24:18
- Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 33:1-13 / 33:14-26 / 34
- Yochanan (John) 10:1-21 / 10:22-31 / 10:32-42
Summary of the weekly study, Year two:
Shemote (Exodus) 22:4-23:19
These verses cover laws on restitution, justice, social and religious conduct, and worship. It includes rules on the return of stolen property, fair treatment of strangers and the poor, and the prohibition of oppression and exploitation. Idolatry is prohibited and the importance of honesty and integrity in judgment is emphasized. The laws also instruct on respect for private property and the protection of human life and dignity. In addition, it details religious observances, including Shabbat and the annual feasts, giving us an understanding of the relationship between the people and Yahweh.
Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 33:14-26
These verses promise the restoration and fulfillment of Yahweh’s promise of a new covenant with Israel and Judah. Elohim assures that he will raise up a “righteous Branch” from the lineage of David, who will rule with justice and righteousness. This prophecy also reaffirms the permanence of the covenant with the descendants of David and the Levitical priests. Yahweh promises to restore prosperity and peace to Jerusalem and His people, assuring that His covenant with day and night, as well as with the natural laws, is unbreakable. This promise shows us Yahweh’s faithfulness and His eternal commitment to His people.
Yochanan (John) 10:22-31
In these verses, Yeshua is in the temple during the Feast of Dedication. The Jews ask Him if He is the Messiah. Yeshua answers that His works on behalf of His Father testify of Him, but they do not believe because they are not of His sheep. His sheep hear His voice, He knows them and they follow Him. Yeshua gives them eternal life and no one can snatch them out of His hand or His Father’s hand. He and the Father are one. Yet, in declaring His oneness with the Father, the Jews try to stone Him as blasphemous.
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Enjoy this fun activity with the whole family. Inside you will find development questions for the three weekly sections (Torah, Haftarah and Brit Chadashah). While the older ones discuss the questions and their answers, the younger ones can color the picture related to the teaching, solve a maze, find the 7 differences and much more. We encourage you to do it week by week and instill in your children the habit of studying Yahweh’s word as a family.
We hope you and especially your sons and daughters enjoy this effort. For it is through the study of the Scriptures that we can come to understand the love and care that Yahweh has always had for us. And also to perceive that He has been taking care of even the smallest detail, so that we can take care and enjoy all that He gives us. That is why it is so important that our children learn and grow up knowing that they are loved by the Creator of all that exists.
Shalom.
