Read the whole Bible in one year

Week 8, February 26, 2011:  “Clean vs. Unclean”

This week's Reading:
Old Testament:
Leviticus 7:28-18:30
February 19th to 25th
New Testament:
Mark 3:31-8:10

Psalms:
Psalm 37:12-41:13

Proverbs:
Proverbs 10:5-16


Discussion Points and Key Bible Verses:

OLD TESTAMENT
Why did God give the Israelites so many rules about “clean” and “unclean” animals?

NEW TESTAMENT

(1)  Mark 4:10-12
[10] And when he was alone, those who were about him with the twelve asked him concerning the parables. [11] And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables; [12] so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand; lest they should turn again, and be forgiven."
Is the purpose of the parables to convey the truth?  Or to hide the truth?  Or both?  Or neither?

(2)  Imagine you were Jairus, and Jesus brought your child back to life.  How do you think you would feel?  Why did Jesus tell the people standing by to give the girl something to eat?