THE BURNT OFFERING

Passage: Leviticus 1:1~17  

Key verse: 1

 
INTRODUCTION TO LEVITICUS
Some scholars think Leviticus is the greatest book of the Bible. Through studying Leviticus deeply, we are impacted by how our approach to God is vital.
Leviticus is written by Moses after Exodus, in which the temple is built and filled with the glory of God. (Ex 40:34) The book of Leviticus begins and ends at the tabernacle, where God gave the Law to the Israelites. God holds his people here while he clearly lays out his rules for worship: sacrifices, ceremonies, rituals, liturgies, instructions, washings, convocations, holy days, observances, conditions, and warnings. The sacrifices were recognized not as human works, but as divine gifts. They did not make God gracious; rather, they were provided by a gracious God in order that he might act graciously toward his sinful people.
Outline of Leviticus
1. Laws on Offerings (1–7)
A. Five Major offerings (1:1–6:7)
B. Handling of the Offerings (6:8–7:38)
2. The Institution of the Priesthood (8–10)
3. Laws on Cleanness and Uncleanness (11–15)
A. Clean and unclean animals (11)
B. Purification for uncleanness (12–15)
4. The Day of Atonement (16)
5. Laws of Holiness (17–25)
A. The Handling of the Blood (17)
B. Laws of Community Holiness (18-22)
C. Holy Times (23-25)
6. Blessings, Curses, and Vows (chs 26–27)

Leviticus 1 describes the types of burnt offerings to be presented for atonement, giving it first importance. Atonement is mentioned 45 times in Leviticus, and 50 more times in the rest of the Old Testament. It means “covered up.” The burnt offering for atonement could not take away sin, but it could cover up sin until the coming of Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice as the Lamb of God.

The burnt offering could be a male ox or male sheep or goat without blemish, or simply a dove or a pigeon. This implies everyone, rich and poor, should come to God. He wants our heart not the sacrifice. The offering should be at a price, of our own free will, and in God’s way.

The worshiper should put their hand on the animal’s head as a sign of the sacrifice taking their place. Then, the worshiper must kill it, and the priests spread the blood around the altar. The priest cuts the sacrifice into pieces, washes the parts, and burns it completely -- a sign of surrender, of not holding back anything. The aroma is pleasing to God. Are you holding anything back? We are the ones responsible for death caused by our sins, and the blood covers our sins. No animal could truly take our place. Only the holy Son of God, Jesus, could be the perfect substitute for our sins.



Prayer: Father, thank you for sacrificing your Son Jesus. Thank you Jesus for being my high priest.

One Word: A perfect sacrifice for my sins