Justin Houtz

Exodus 22, John 4

DateVersionReading Plan
March 13, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Exodus 22

Observation

Exod. 22:1-4 – The opening verses of the chapter provide what to do in cases of theft. There was to be no bloodguilt if a thief was found and struck but there was to be bloodguilt if the “sun has risen on him.” The CSB Notes explains:

The difference in responses to burglary at different times rests on the concern that the owners’ lives might be at stake, especially if the break-in took place at night. During the day they could recognize the thief and know whether or not this was a dangerous intruder (cp. Jr 2:26, 34–35). Even the life of a thief was valued; he could not be sold as a slave or be killed in revenge.

Exod. 22:9 – For every breach of trust, both parties were to go before God and the one whom God condemns was to pay double to his neighbor. “The idea of God condemning the guilty party recalls other contexts where God’s will was determined through casting lots (1 Sam 10:16–26; 14:42; Josh 7:14). Since the scenario here is very similar to the one that follows in Exod 22:10–11, God’s will may have been determined by an oath taken in the name of Yahweh.” (FSB)

Exod. 22:18 – A sorceress was not permitted to live. The prohibition of divination is also referenced in Deut. 18:9-14 in the list of forbidden practices.

Exod. 22:27-28 – A neighbor’s cloak taken in pledge was to be returned to him before the sun goes down. If they neighbor cries to God, He would hear because He has compassion.

Application

More laws given in this chapter continue to showcase God’s justice and equity. In the cases of the thief and the seduced virgin, the laws illuminate the value of human life and the constancy of dignity despite circumstance or gender. The admonition for us is then to look on every human being with Godly compassion, to not view some as deserving of fair treatment while others not. Whatever the combination of situation and attributes of personhood may be, every human soul is created in the image of God.

John 4

Observation

John 4:24 – Jesus told the Samaritan woman that God is spirit and “those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The BBC is helpful in unpacking this teaching:

God is Spirit is a definition of God’s being. He is not a mere man, subject to all the errors and limitations of humanity. Neither is He confined to any one place at any time. He is an invisible Person who is present in all places at one and the same time, who is all-knowing, and who is all-powerful. He is perfect in all His ways. Therefore, those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

John 4:36 – Jesus told His disciples that already the one who reaps is receiving his wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. Jesus “had chosen them to be reapers. They would not only earn wages in this life, but they would gather fruit for eternity as well. Service for Christ has many rewards at the present time. But in a coming day, reapers will have the additional joy of seeing souls in heaven because of their faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel message.” (BBC)

John 4:38 – Jesus had sent His disciples to reap that for which they had not labored. Others had labored and they had entered into their labor. Again the BBC is very helpful here:

Jesus was sending His disciples into areas that had already been prepared by others. Throughout the OT period, the prophets had foretold the coming of the gospel era and of the Messiah. Then, too, John the Baptist came as a forerunner of the Lord, seeking to prepare the hearts of the people to receive Him. The Lord Himself had sown the seed in Samaria, and prepared a harvest for the reapers. Now the disciples were about to step into the harvest field, and the Lord wanted them to know that, although they would have the joy of seeing many turning to Christ, they should understand that they were entering into other men’s labors.

Application

Jesus’ teaching that the disciples had entered into the labor of others is an important concept to grasp. As we meet someone and share the gospel of eternal life in Christ, we must do so in humility with the understanding that we do not know what has already been sown. Our approach should be of engagement and exploration as to how we can help this person take that one more step toward Christ. This may be be their very first step or the next of many, but every step is important and what a blessing it is to have a role in God’s glorious work of redemption.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your law that we may see Your compassion and the beautiful design of Your creation. How amazing are You that You have commissioned Your children to be Your agents in spreading the good news of hope found only in Your Son. Lord, I praise You for the honor we have been given and I pray that, by Your Spirit, you would continue to do your work in and through us to be Your faithful ambassadors.

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