How does Leviticus 9:15 connect to Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for our sins? Setting the Scene: A Goat on a Historic Day “Next Aaron presented the people’s offering, took the goat for the sin offering that was theirs, slaughtered it, and offered it for sin like the first one.” (Leviticus 9:15) - The tabernacle has just been set up, Aaron and his sons are newly ordained, and this is the first public worship service under the Law. - One goat represents the entire nation. Its blood is shed so Israel’s sins can be covered and fellowship with God secured. - The sequence is deliberate: Aaron offers for himself (vv. 8–14), then for the people (v. 15). Holiness starts with the priest and flows outward. Key Truths Embedded in the Verse - Substitution: the goat dies in the place of guilty sinners. - Identification: Aaron “presents” the people’s offering, acting as their mediator. - Blood Atonement: without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). - Repetition: “like the first one” hints that this sacrifice will be offered again and again; it cannot finally remove sin (Hebrews 10:1–4). From Goat to God’s Lamb Leviticus 9:15 is a preview, a living illustration pointing forward to Jesus. - John 1:29 – “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” - Isaiah 53:6 – “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” How Jesus Perfects the Sin Offering - Once for all: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12) - Perfect priest and sacrifice in one Person: “Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God.” (Hebrews 9:14) - Finality: “We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10) - Full removal, not mere covering: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.” (1 Peter 2:24) Living in the Light of the Ultimate Sacrifice - Confidence: sins are not just postponed; they are paid in full. - Assurance: the priest who offered Himself never needs to repeat the act. - Gratitude: continual offerings are replaced by continual thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15). - Holiness: Christ’s finished work frees us to pursue obedience, not to earn acceptance but because we already have it. Leviticus 9:15, with its solitary goat and repeated bloodshed, serves as a vivid signpost toward the day when God’s own Son would offer the final, flawless sacrifice—removing sin forever for all who trust in Him. |
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