How does Leviticus 5:11 connect to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice? A Provision for Those Who Have Nothing Leviticus 5:11: “But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he shall bring as his offering for that he has sinned a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He must not put oil or frankincense on it, because it is a sin offering.” Key Details to Notice • Sin still requires an offering; God never lowers His standard of holiness. • Even the poorest Israelite could come to God—no one was excluded. • The fine flour lacked blood, yet God accepted it when the worshiper had no other means. • No oil or frankincense—nothing to sweeten or embellish sin, keeping focus on atonement. Threads That Tie to Jesus • Accessibility for All – Leviticus 5:11 opens the door to those with empty pockets. – Jesus fulfills this in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” • God’s Grace in Substitution – A smaller, humble gift stands in for the higher cost sacrifice. – Ultimately, Jesus becomes the once-for-all substitute (Hebrews 10:10–14). • Poverty Embraced for Our Sake – The flour offering reflects simplicity and poverty. – 2 Corinthians 8:9: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” • Bloodless Yet Pointing to Blood – While flour contained no blood, it still pointed forward to the need for true cleansing. – Jesus provides that cleansing with His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). From Shadows to Substance • Temporary Covering → Eternal Cleansing – Levitical offerings had to be repeated; Christ’s sacrifice is “once for all” (Hebrews 9:11-12). • Limited Access → Open Invitation – Only Israel approached through prescribed offerings; now “everyone who believes in Him will not perish” (John 3:16). • Flour for the Poor → Lamb for the World – John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Why This Matters Today • No one is too poor, broken, or insignificant to receive mercy—Christ has already paid. • Salvation is not achieved by what we bring; it rests entirely on the perfect sacrifice God has provided. • Just as Leviticus assured the destitute of acceptance, the cross assures every sinner of welcome when we come by faith in Jesus. |
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