What does "blood of My sacrifice" teach about the significance of offerings? Setting and Text “ ‘You must not offer the blood of My sacrifice with anything leavened, nor may the sacrifice of the Feast of the Passover remain until morning.’ ” (Exodus 34:25) Why the Emphasis on Blood? • Blood represents life. “For the life of a creature is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11). • Atonement requires shedding of blood. “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). • By calling it “My sacrifice,” the LORD reminds Israel that every legitimate offering ultimately belongs to Him; the worshiper is only a steward. Leaven vs. Purity: Guarding Holy Space • Leaven in Scripture often pictures corruption or sin (Matthew 16:6; 1 Corinthians 5:6). • God prohibits mixing leaven with sacrificial blood to teach that sin cannot coexist with atonement. • The clear separation underscores His holiness and the worshiper’s need for purity. Three Key Truths about the Significance of Offerings 1. Exclusivity—Only God sets the terms of sacrifice. – The worshiper doesn’t negotiate the elements; God’s pattern is non-negotiable. 2. Substitution—Life is given so life may be spared. – The innocent victim’s blood covers the guilty, foreshadowing greater redemption. 3. Consecration—Offerings call for wholehearted devotion. – No leaven, no leftovers. Nothing common shares space with what belongs wholly to God. Looking Ahead to the Cross • The Passover points to Jesus: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • He is the flawless substitute: “You were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). • His blood satisfies every demand Exodus 34:25 hints at—perfect purity, perfect atonement, perfect ownership by God. How This Shapes Our Worship Today • We approach God only through the blood of Jesus, never on our own merit. • We keep “leaven” out of our lives—repenting quickly, refusing to coexist with known sin. • We give with reverence, generosity, and integrity, remembering that every offering still belongs to Him. |
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