How does this verse connect to Jesus as the Lamb of God? A Sin Offering That Looks Ahead “If, however, he brings a lamb as his sin offering, he is to bring a female without blemish.” Key Features of the Old-Testament Lamb • Substitute—the lamb’s life stands in the place of the sinner. • Bloodshed—its death satisfies God’s declared penalty (Leviticus 17:11). • Without blemish—only a flawless animal meets God’s standard. • Accessible—a lamb is common, so ordinary people can approach God. Parallels to Jesus, the Lamb of God • True Substitute—“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). • Atoning Blood—“The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). • Sinless Perfection—“You were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Available to all—John 1:29: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Progressive Revelation of the Lamb 1. Passover Lamb—deliverance from judgment (Exodus 12). 2. Sin-Offering Lamb—daily forgiveness (Leviticus 4:32). 3. Prophetic Lamb—suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:7). 4. Personal Lamb—Jesus in the flesh (John 1:29). 5. Exalted Lamb—eternal Redeemer (Revelation 5:9). Why the Female Lamb Fits the Picture • Shows completeness—both genders used in sacrifices indicate total coverage of human need. • “Without blemish” is the essential point, fulfilled perfectly in Christ’s moral purity. • Other offerings (e.g., male Passover lamb) round out the full portrait of Jesus. What Leviticus 4:32 Reveals About Christ’s Work • Sin demands death; God provides a merciful substitute. • Perfection is mandatory; only the sinless Son can meet it. • The offering must be presented; Jesus willingly laid down His life (John 10:18). • Once for all—His single sacrifice accomplishes what endless animals never could (Hebrews 10:10-14). Living in Light of the Lamb • Recognize the weight of sin that required such a sacrifice. • Rest in the complete atonement Jesus achieved. • Respond with a life that seeks to be “without blemish,” empowered by the risen Lamb who now intercedes for us. |
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