Connect Leviticus 4:1 to Jesus' role as our ultimate sin offering. The Foundation: Leviticus 4:1 “Then the LORD said to Moses,” (Leviticus 4:1) Sin Offering Introduced • The opening words launch an entire section (Leviticus 4:1–35) detailing the chattat—sin offering—for unintentional sins. • God speaks; Moses listens; Israel receives precise instructions. Every detail flows directly from the LORD’s own mouth, underscoring divine initiative in dealing with sin. Purpose and Pattern of the Sin Offering • Sin separates; sacrifice restores. • Blood is central: “The priest shall take some of the bull’s blood and bring it into the Tent of Meeting” (Leviticus 4:5). • Substitution is explicit: the animal’s life for the sinner’s. • Various groups (priests, congregation, leaders, common people) each need atonement—sin is universal. Foreshadowing Jesus • Hebrews 10:4: “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” The Levitical sacrifices pointed beyond themselves. • Hebrews 9:13-14: “If the blood of goats and bulls…sanctifies…how much more will the blood of Christ…cleanse our consciences.” • Romans 8:3: “God…sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful man as an offering for sin.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” • Isaiah 53:10: “Yet it pleased the LORD to crush Him...His life is an offering for sin.” Parallels Between Leviticus 4 and the Cross • Divine Initiative – Leviticus 4:1: God speaks first. – John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” • Substitutionary Death – Hand laid on the animal’s head (Leviticus 4:4). – “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). • Blood Applied – Blood sprinkled before the veil (Leviticus 4:6). – Jesus enters “the greater and more perfect tabernacle…by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:11-12). • Complete Removal of Guilt – “The priest will make atonement…and he will be forgiven” (Leviticus 4:20). – “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7). Jesus Surpasses the Shadow • One sacrifice, once for all (Hebrews 10:10). • Perfect, unblemished Lamb (1 Peter 1:19). • Opens access to God: veil torn (Matthew 27:51). Living in Light of the Ultimate Offering • Confidence: “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). • Gratitude: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Hope: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). |
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