How does Leviticus 1:7 connect to Jesus as our ultimate sacrifice? Setting the Scene “ And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire.” – Leviticus 1:7 What Happens in Leviticus 1:7? • The priests light the fire and stack the wood. • That prepared blaze consumes the whole burnt offering (vv. 8–9). • The offering rises “as a pleasing aroma to the Lord,” signaling acceptance. Connections to Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifice • Wood prepared → Cross prepared – The altar’s wood anticipates the wooden cross on which Christ was laid (John 19:17). • Fire of judgment → Wrath absorbed – Fire in Scripture often represents God’s holy judgment (Numbers 11:1-3; Hebrews 12:29). – On Calvary, divine wrath fell on Jesus instead of us (Isaiah 53:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • Whole burnt offering → Total surrender – The Levitical animal was wholly consumed; nothing held back. – Jesus gave Himself entirely: “He offered one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Hebrews 10:12). • Pleasing aroma → Perfect satisfaction – Christ’s sacrifice was “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). – The Father’s justice and love converge at the cross, fully satisfied. Why This Matters for Us Today • Assurance: Because the fire fell on Jesus, none remains for those who trust Him (Romans 8:1). • Access: The consuming judgment that once barred sinners now opens the way into God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Adoration: As the ancient worshiper watched smoke ascend, we look to the risen Christ, responding with surrendered lives (Romans 12:1). Summary Snapshot Leviticus 1:7 shows priests arranging wood and fire so the offering could be wholly consumed and accepted. That scene previews Golgotha, where God Himself provided the wood, lit the fire of judgment, and presented His own Son as the once-for-all burnt offering. Because Jesus endured the flame, believers stand accepted, cleansed, and invited into wholehearted worship. |
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