How does Leviticus 10:17 connect to Christ's ultimate sacrifice for sin? Setting the Scene Leviticus 10 records the aftermath of Nadab and Abihu’s judgment. Moses rebukes Eleazar and Ithamar for burning the goat of the sin offering instead of eating it, saying: “Why did you not eat the sin offering in the sanctuary area? For it is most holy, and it was given to you to bear the guilt of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD.” (Leviticus 10:17) Key Features of the Sin-Offering Meal • Most holy: set apart exclusively for God’s purpose. • Eaten by priests in the sanctuary: a sacred participation, not casual consumption. • “Given to you to bear the guilt of the congregation”: by eating, priests identified with the people’s sin and symbolically carried it before God. • Result: atonement—restored fellowship between Israel and the LORD. How This Foreshadows Christ • Identification with sinners – Priests ate the sacrifice; Jesus became the sacrifice. – “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) • Bearing guilt before God – Old-covenant priests temporarily “carried” Israel’s guilt. – Jesus “bore our sins in His body on the tree.” (1 Peter 2:24) • Holiness of the offering – The sin offering was “most holy.” – Jesus, the spotless Lamb, is “holy, innocent, undefiled.” (Hebrews 7:26) • Atonement accomplished – Priestly eating had to be repeated daily. – Christ “entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12) From Sanctuary Meal to Communion Table • Priests internalized the sacrifice; believers now partake of the bread and cup, proclaiming the Lord’s death (1 Corinthians 11:26). • The physical act points to spiritual union with the One who fully bore our guilt. Practical Takeaways • Sin’s seriousness: only a holy, God-given substitute can lift guilt. • Complete sufficiency: what priests could only picture, Jesus finished forever (John 19:30; Hebrews 10:11-14). • Ongoing gratitude: every time we remember the cross, Leviticus 10:17 reminds us that our High Priest both offers and is the “most holy” sacrifice that secures our eternal standing before the LORD. |
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