It is common for the Christian to stop reading the Old Testament when they come to the book of Leviticus. All those sacrifices seem so ritualistic and unrelated to the Christian life. But once you find out their significance in Christ they take on a greater meaning and make you grateful for all Jesus has done for us as the Lamb of God that has taken away our sins! (John 1:29)
- BURNT OFFERING (Lev 1:1-17) - Significance in Christ: Foreshadows the total sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. (Heb 9:14) how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God . . . Significance for the believer: It symbolizes that the worshiper must be wholly dedicated to God without reserve. (Rom 12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
- GRAIN OFFERING (Lev 2:1-16) – Significance in Christ: Represents Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35). The flour was beaten fine, as Christ was beaten for our sins. (Isa 53:5) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Significance for the believer: The believer, too, has to be refined as a pure offering to the Lord. (Luke 22:31) And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
- PEACE OFFERING (Lev 3:1-17) – Significance in Christ: Through Christ’s death man has been reconciled to God. (Rom 5:1) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Significance for the believer: We are at peace with God and we also have peace with one another: (Eph 2:14) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation . . .
- SIN OFFERING (Lev 4:1-35) – Significance in Christ: Emphasizes the death of Christ as a satisfactory substitutionary sacrifice. (2 Cor 5:21) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Significance for the believer: No more does a Christian have to feel guilty for his sins. (Eph 1:7) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
- TRESPASS OFFERING (Lev 5:1-6:7) - Significance in Christ: Stresses that aspect of Christ’s death, which atones for the damage done by sin. (Isa 53:10) Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin . . . Significance for the believer: We will want to make things right with God and with those whom we’ve sinned against. (Mat 5:23-24) Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Louie