What connections exist between Leviticus 9:18 and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice in the New Testament? The Setting of Leviticus 9 - Israel’s first public worship service after the Tabernacle is completed. - Moses directs Aaron to offer multiple sacrifices so the people can “draw near” (9:6-7). - Verse 18 focuses on the ox and ram offered as the people’s fellowship (peace) offering. Key Details in Leviticus 9:18 - “He slaughtered the ox and the ram as the people’s peace offering.” - “Aaron’s sons brought him the blood, which he sprinkled on all sides of the altar.” - Main elements: a representative priest, substitutionary animals, shed blood applied to the altar, resulting fellowship between God and His people. How the Peace Offering Points to Christ - Substitution: innocent animals die so the worshipers may live (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). - Blood applied: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). - Shared meal (peace offering portions eaten by worshipers, Leviticus 7:15): anticipates communion with Christ at His table (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). - Corporate dimension: sacrifice offered “for the people,” foreshadowing Jesus’ death “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Fulfillment in Jesus’ Ultimate Sacrifice - Perfect Priest and Sacrifice: Jesus is both the Offerer and the Offering (Hebrews 9:11-14). - Superior Blood: His blood secures “eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12) and “cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). - True Peace: “Having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20), He reconciles Jews and Gentiles into “one new man” (Ephesians 2:13-17). - Heavenly Altar: Christ presents His blood in the true sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24), accomplishing what the earthly altar only pictured. Connections Summarized - Same pattern: priestly mediation, substitutionary death, blood application, restored fellowship. - Leviticus 9:18 is a shadow; the cross is the substance (Colossians 2:17). - Old-covenant fellowship offering finds its perfect, once-for-all expression in Jesus, granting believers confident access to God (Hebrews 10:19-22). Implications for Believers Today - Assurance: the sprinkled blood still speaks (Hebrews 12:24); our reconciliation is complete. - Communion: every Lord’s Supper recalls the peace offering’s shared meal, celebrating fellowship won by Christ. - Worship: like Israel on the eighth day, we draw near with awe and joy, knowing the ultimate sacrifice has been offered forever. |
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