In Leviticus
Notes
Transcript
New series for 2021 - Jesus is In!
“He Is” goes through the books of the Bible highlighting things about Jesus, the Messiah.
“In Leviticus, He's our High Priest.”
He is the Priest, the Altar, and the Lamb of Sacrifice
Jesus personified:
In the sacrifices and offerings (Lev 1-7)
In the Jewish festivals (Passover, Atonement, Lev 16, 23)
In the scapegoat (Lev 16:7-9)
In the person and duties of the High Priest (Lev 16)
Today we will explore Jesus as the High Priest who offers atonement
Please stand as we HONOR the reading of God’s Word
29 “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work—whether native-born or a foreigner residing among you—
30 because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.
31 It is a day of sabbath rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance.
32 The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest is to make atonement. He is to put on the sacred linen garments
33 and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, for the tent of meeting and the altar, and for the priests and all the members of the community.
34 “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites.” And it was done, as the Lord commanded Moses.
THE WORD OF GOD, FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
Sin
Sin
Sin
All People
Summary of Leviticus 16
We saw the seriousness of sin 2 weeks ago as we shared in Genesis about the banishment of Adam & Eve from the Garden of Eden and the introduction of sin: the disobedience of God. It had a huge impact on the intimate relationship of the Creator and mankind.
Last week we spoke of the first Passover which centers around blood and we see blood today as a means to cleanse and to receive forgiveness.
We read the closing verses of Leviticus 16. A quick summary from:
The Lexham Bible Dictionary Meaning and Means of Atonement
The Day of Atonement (Lev 16) was a more complex ceremony involving special priestly garments, five sacrificial animals (one bull, two goats, and two rams), incense, and the purification of the holy place. After the bull had been killed to atone for the sins of the priest, lots were cast over the two goats. One of the goats was killed and its blood used to purify the holy place; the people’s sins would be confessed over the other—the scapegoat—which was then released into the wilderness to carry away that sin. The two rams were then presented as a guilt offering for the priest and the people, and the fat of the bull and the slain goat was burned on the altar to conclude the ceremony.
The elaborate nature and blood sacrifice of these ceremonies attest the gravity with which the Old Testament views sin.
The Rabbi’s would simply come to call this “The Day”. This annual event where the sins of all the people were placed on the scapegoat.
The High Priest received specific instructions for “The Day” throughout this 16th chapter. Here are the instructions for the scapegoat.
21 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task.
“Where in the wilderness?” one might ask. The Psalmist says it best.
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Complete forgiveness once a year on the Day of Atonement. Complete forgiveness forever received in Jesus.
Sacrifice
Sacrifice
Sacrifice
To Make something Holy
We too often think of sacrifice as a “bad” thing. Something we have to give up.
It’s true meaning is a positive thing. “To Make Something Holy”
Holiness is an overarching theme of Leviticus. We read about the animal sacrifices required, but it shouldn’t be seen as a chore.
Sacrifice should be joyous as we dedicate something valuable to God. That is why the church calls the day of Jesus’ death “Good Friday”.
The writer of Hebrews offers a great explanation of how Jesus is superior in every way to the the ritual and symbols of the Jewish faith.
Superior in the priesthood, our mediator. Superior in a sinless life.
Superior as the a sacrifice. He didn’t bring an animal - he presented himself in the heavenly temple rather than the earthly temple.
Superior in the complete forgiveness because he was the perfect sacrifice without blemish. No more animals needed. No more annual day of atonement.
44 I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground.
45 I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
Jesus is far better than any Old Testament sacrifice. Jesus is Holy! We can be holy because of Him.
Atonement
Atonement
Atonement
Forgiveness by Substitution
The “Day of Atonement” - Old Testament description here in Leviticus
In the New Testament - Atonement - translated in KJV and ESV as propitiate. Not a word we use but it combines several thoughts into the meaning of atonement.
Ransom - often used by Christ in the gospels when speaking about his impending death. Freedom from the burden and penalty of sin.
Sacrifice - substitution on behalf of - Paul preferred this concept in what Jesus did for us.
Reconciliation - the reason for the sacrifice - restoring the relationship between God and the His rebellious people.
Victory - Colossians and Revelation show Christ’s death as victory over evil.
Ransom, Sacrifice, Reconciliation, Victory all wrapped up in the word propitiate - the defining ideas of atonement.
The NIV chose to use “sacrifice of atonement” phrase rather the propitiation. The appeasement of God for the broken relationship that sin caused.
Paul told the Romans:
25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—
“When we preach atonement, it is atonement planned by love, provided by love, given by love, finished by love, necessitated because of love.”
-Billy Graham
Our sins were placed on Jesus
Jesus became our sacrifice
Jesus made atonement for us as our High Priest
Jesus is in Leviticus!