How does Leviticus 16:11 connect to Jesus' role as our High Priest? Reading Leviticus 16:11 “Aaron is to present the bull for his own sin offering and make atonement for himself and his household; he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering.” (Leviticus 16:11) Key Observations From the Verse • The high priest, Aaron, brings a bull—an expensive, substitutionary sacrifice. • The offering is first “for himself and his household,” highlighting the priest’s personal need for cleansing. • Only after this self-atonement can Aaron proceed with the Day of Atonement rituals on behalf of Israel (vv. 15–17). Foreshadowing Jesus, Our High Priest • Hebrews 5:1-3 echoes Leviticus 16:11, noting that every human high priest “is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins.” • Hebrews 7:26-28 draws the contrast: – Aaron: sinful, needed a bull for himself each year. – Jesus: “holy, innocent, undefiled… separated from sinners,” needing no sacrifice for Himself. – Result: “He sacrificed for sins once for all, when He offered Himself.” The Qualities of Each Priest Compared " Aaronic Priesthood " Jesus’ Priesthood " " — " — " " Had to atone for personal sin first (Leviticus 16:11) " Sinless; no personal atonement required (Hebrews 4:15) " " Offered an animal (a bull) " Offered Himself, the spotless Lamb (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:14) " " Entered an earthly Most Holy Place once a year (Hebrews 9:7) " Entered the true heavenly sanctuary once for all (Hebrews 9:11-12) " Implications for Believers Today • Full Assurance: Because Jesus never needed to cleanse Himself, His single offering fully secures our standing (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Continuous Intercession: As the flawless High Priest, He “always lives to intercede” for us (Hebrews 7:25). • Finality of Atonement: The repetitive bull sacrifices pointed forward to a decisive, perfect sacrifice—now accomplished (Hebrews 10:11-14). Connecting the Blood • Aaron carried bull’s blood behind the veil, sprinkling it on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14). • Jesus carried His own blood into the heavenly holy places, securing “eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). • The blood of bulls purified “the flesh”; Christ’s blood purifies “our conscience” (Hebrews 9:13-14). Why Leviticus 16:11 Matters • It underscores humanity’s need for a mediator who is himself cleansed. • It sets the pattern fulfilled and surpassed in Jesus—the sinless Mediator who both offers and is the atoning sacrifice. Living in the Light of Our Perfect High Priest • Rest in His finished work; no further offering can add to it. • Draw near with confidence, knowing no unconfessed sin of our Priest hinders our access. • Worship with gratitude: every detail of the Old Covenant ritual magnifies the superiority of Christ’s once-for-all ministry. |
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