Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary
This sermon explores the cities of refuge established in Joshua 20, revealing how God’s perfect justice and abundant mercy unite to protect the innocent while upholding the sanctity of human life. The passage addresses the ancient problem of distinguishing between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter, showing God’s solution that perfectly balances both justice and mercy.
The cities of refuge were strategically placed throughout Israel, making them accessible within one day’s journey from anywhere in the land. Roads were maintained, bridges built, and signs posted reading “Refuge, Refuge” to guide those fleeing for their lives. The manslayer had to present his case to the elders and remain in the city until the death of the high priest, when he could finally return home.
This Old Testament provision points directly to Jesus Christ, our true High Priest, whose death satisfies the claims of justice and provides eternal refuge for all who run to Him. The cities were available not only to Israelites but also to foreigners, foreshadowing the gospel reaching all nations. The sermon calls us to stop running to false refuges and find our true safety in Christ alone.
Key Points
- God distinguishes between intentional murder and unintentional manslaughter, showing that intent and motive matter
- Every human life is sacred because we are made in God’s image, requiring an accounting even for accidental deaths
- God made the cities of refuge strategically accessible, with maintained roads and clear signs pointing the way
- The death of the high priest satisfied justice and released the manslayer, pointing to Christ’s death as our ultimate satisfaction
- God’s mercy extends to everyone who runs to Him, including foreigners and outsiders, foreshadowing the gospel for all nations
- Jesus is our true City of Refuge whose death provides both perfect justice and complete mercy
- We are all running from something, and Christ is the only refuge that truly works
Small Group Questions
The sermon opens with a scenario of accidentally causing someone’s death. How does Joshua 20 challenge or confirm your understanding of justice and mercy? In what ways does our modern legal system reflect or fall short of God’s design?
God made a clear distinction between murder (intentional) and manslaughter (unintentional), yet still required an accounting for accidental deaths. What does this teach us about the value God places on human life? How should this shape our view of current issues like abortion, euthanasia, or violence in our culture?
The cities of refuge were strategically placed within one day’s journey, with maintained roads and signs reading “Refuge, Refuge.” How does this demonstrate God’s heart for accessibility? In what ways should the church reflect this same accessibility to those seeking refuge in Christ?
The manslayer found protection in the city of refuge but couldn’t return home until the high priest died. He was safe but still faced consequences. How does this help us understand that God’s mercy doesn’t eliminate all consequences? Share a time when God’s protection sustained you even while you dealt with the consequences of your actions.
The death of the high priest satisfied justice and released the manslayer. How does this Old Testament picture help you better understand what Jesus accomplished as our High Priest? How does Hebrews 2:17 connect to this passage?
Joshua 20:9 emphasizes that refuge was available to “the stranger sojourning among them.” How does this foreshadow the gospel going to all nations? What practical steps can we take to ensure that outsiders, immigrants, and those different from us know they have access to refuge in Christ?
The sermon asks, “Where are you running to?” What false refuges are you tempted to run to instead of Christ (achievement, relationships, addictions, etc.)? How can this group help you run to Jesus as your true refuge this week?
Key Verses
Joshua 20:1-6, Genesis 9:6, Numbers 35:9-34, Hebrews 2:17, Ephesians 2:13
Application On The Way
This week, identify one area where you’ve been running to a false refuge instead of to Christ. Each time you’re tempted to run there again, pause and literally pray, “Jesus, you are my refuge.” Then take one concrete action that demonstrates your trust in Christ rather than in that false refuge (e.g., if you run to achievement, take a day of rest; if you run to a relationship, spend intentional time alone with God; if you run to numbing behaviors, reach out to someone for accountability).
Want to Go Deeper?
Additional Scripture Passages:
Numbers 35:9-34 (Detailed laws about cities of refuge and the avenger of blood) Deuteronomy 19:1-13 (Moses’ instruction about the cities of refuge) Psalm 46:1 (“God is our refuge and strength”) Psalm 91:1-2 (“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High”) Hebrews 6:18-20 (We have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope) Romans 8:1 (“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”) 1 John 2:1-2 (Jesus is our advocate with the Father)
Personal Reflection Questions:
Read Hebrews 6:18-20, which speaks of “we who have fled for refuge.” In what specific ways has Jesus become your refuge? How has His death as your High Priest set you free from guilt and shame that once held you captive?
The cities of refuge were places of both protection and limitation. The manslayer was safe but couldn’t go home. Reflect on times when God’s protection in your life has come with limitations or waiting periods. How did those seasons of dependence on God shape your faith? What did you learn about God’s character that you might not have learned otherwise?