(1) Scripture mentions a series of covenants: with Noah and every living creature (Genesis 9:12-13), with Abram (Genesis 15:18; 17:1-27), with Israel and Moses at Sinai (Exodus 19:3-8), with David (2 Samuel 7:8-29 and 23:5).  How much is the New Covenant a reaffirmation in a new situation of the earlier covenants and how much is it completely new?

(2) It was expensive to offer animal sacrifices.  Do we adequately express our commitment by our attitude to material things? Or does the fact that we are to offer spiritual sacrifices (Hebrews 13:15-16) too easily allow us not to give up expensive pursuits and possessions?

(3) Oaths to the Lord were permitted under the Law (Leviticus 19:12, Numbers 30:2, Deuteronomy 10:20 and 23:21).  Such oaths were entered into voluntarily when a person wished to indicate good faith.  In Matthew 5:33-7 Jesus tells his followers not to swear oaths at all.  If other people request a believer to take an oath, e.g. a witness in a law court, is Jesus’ prohibition applicable in what appears to be a different situation?

(4) Isaiah said: “… cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression” (Isaiah 1:16-17). Micah said: “…  what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).  Do we do enough to correct oppression, to do justly now – or do we just talk about it for the future?

(5) In the parable in Matthew 9:16-17 Jesus is saying that when something new has come, the old is inadequate:  the teaching of Judaism must give way to his new teaching.  Are we, like the Jews of Jesus’ time, too resistant to change?