Theme: Divine authority. Deuteronomy has Moses predicting that God will send a prophet like him, who will rule with authority. The Gospel features Jesus acting with authority by casting out demons. In the Second Lesson Paul reminds us that our actions must be governed by love's authority.

COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
The book of Deuteronomy reinterprets the laws of Moses for a new generation. It comes in the form of addresses by Moses as the Israelites are about to enter the promised land. This is probably the book that was found during the reign of Josiah and served as the basis for religious reforms, namely, the centralization of the cult in Jerusalem. In this passage Moses promises that God will send a prophet like himself who will preach and act with authority. God …