How does Leviticus 9:16 connect to Jesus' role as our ultimate sacrifice? Text in Focus “He presented the burnt offering and offered it according to the ordinance.” (Leviticus 9:16) What the Burnt Offering Signified • Total surrender to God—every part of the animal was consumed on the altar (Leviticus 1:9). • A pleasing aroma symbolizing full acceptance by God (Leviticus 1:13). • Atonement for sin through substitutionary death (Leviticus 1:4). How Jesus Fulfills the Pattern • Jesus offered Himself “according to the ordinance,” perfectly obeying every requirement of the Law (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 4:15). • Like the burnt offering, His sacrifice was completely given over—body, soul, and spirit—“an offering and a sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma” (Ephesians 5:2). • His death accomplished true, final atonement: “By this will we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Key Parallels at a Glance • Whole consumption → Jesus’ whole life poured out (Philippians 2:8). • Pleasing aroma → God publicly affirmed His Son (Matthew 3:17). • Substitution → “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). • Obedience to ordinance → “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). • Ongoing access → “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). Living in the Light of the Ultimate Offering • Rest in a finished work: no further animal sacrifices are needed (Hebrews 9:12). • Respond with whole-life worship: “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). • Proclaim the good news: Christ’s once-for-all offering secures forgiveness for all who believe (1 Peter 3:18). |
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