Jesus in the Old Testament, Leviticus

Jesus in Leviticus 

We have found Jesus, very clearly, in Genesis and Exodus, but do we see Him in Leviticus? A book that is not the favorite to say the less, of many people? It is filled with the Levitical Law, Offerings and such, the order of the Priesthood, described by some as “A Priest’s Handbook.," including Consecration of Priests, ETC. How do we see Jesus in all this? Look a bit closer.

We see the need for Sacrifice Leviticus 1-6. We see qualifications of the Sacrifice in Leviticus 6-7

Two types of Offerings are specified in Leviticus. The Sweet-Savor Offerings and Non-Sweet-Savor Offerings. Let’s look at these a bit closer.

The Sweet Offering

This was a Sweet-Savor Offering {Philippians 2:8}. The Burnt Sacrifice was to be a Male Animal without Spot or Blemish, portraying the One ''who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without Spot to God'' {Hebrews 9:14}. It was to be made Voluntarily. Jesus said,

“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father” {John 10:18}

Every detail of the Sacrifice was ordered by God. It was to be laid in order upon the Wood. Think Cross. The offering was flayed and cut in pieces, exposing the Inner Flesh. Jesus was beaten and His Flesh was torn apart exposing His Inner Flesh.

The Sacrifice, the Burnt Offering, was meant to be a Substitute for God’s People who have Sinned and deserve to Die. For ''it shall be accepted for him'' {Leviticus 1:4}. The Priest put his hand upon the Animal to identify himself with it. So also Christ

“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.' {Ephesians 5:2}

Then you have the Non-Sweet-Offering or the Sin Offering.

The Sin Offering

This Offering, not a Sweet-Savor Offering, stands in contrast with the Burnt Offering. The Burnt Offering was all for God; the Sin Offering was all for Man. In the Burnt Offering the believer is seen as identified with God, or Christ. In the Sin Offering, God, or Christ, is seen as Identified with the Believer's Sin. It was given for Sins of Ignorance. All Mankind are Sinners, whether they admit it or even know it, or not.

“For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,” {Romans 8:3}

Again, the Sacrifice was to be without blemish. To be our Substitute, Therefore, Christ had to be Sinless. The Sacrifice was the Substitute for the Sinner 2 Corinthians 5:21.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

The blood poured out at the bottom of the Altar was a picture of the shedding of Christ's blood. The Sacrifice was taken outside the camp and burned to Ashes. Jesus was taken outside the City as well. Hebrews 13:12

“So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.”

Let’s also look at the Qualifications or Requirements if the Sinner To make the Sacrifice an Acceptable Substitute.

They had to admit that they were a Sinner, as well as accepting God's view of himself. He had to identify himself with the Substitute and had to take God provided Sacrifice. It was meant to portray the Blood for the Sinner’s Blood. The Sacrifice for the Sinner, and the Death, so that the Sinner will not have to die. Through all this, the Sinner is to be reunited with His God and forgiven of his Sins. No forgiveness of Sins could or can even today, be achieved without a Blood Sacrifice. Thankfully, Jesus was the One and Perfect Sacrifice to end all further need for Sacrifice.

Leviticus also goes into much detail of the order of the Priesthood and the Duties of such. It gives instructions for how the Levites, or Priests, are to Lead and Intercede God’s People in their Relationship with Him. A Priest would intercede for the people of God.

In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). He is able to be our intercessor and allows us to enter into the Presence of God. Hebrews 10:14

“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified..”

Jesus IS the Sacrifice, both the Sweet and Non-Sweet, for God and Man, the Scapegoat, and the Mediator and High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. His Priesthood extends to every Nation, Tribe, and Tongue. Hebrews 7:22

“This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.” .

Aren't you glad that you no longer have to slaughter Animals and use their Blood to forgive your Sins? Jesus did it once and for all. All you have to do? Admit that you are a Sinner, as well as accepting God's view of Yourself. Hint? He sees you as a Sinner worthy of Death. But He loves you and created a way out of debt for you. You had to identify yourself with the Substitute, with is Jesus, and only Jesus, and have to accept Him, Jesus and only Jesus, as the only God Approved Sacrifice. His Blood for your Blood, His Death, rather His Resurrection, for your Death, and so that you may be reunited with your God and live forever with Him. There has never been, is now, nor ever will be, forgiveness of Sins without a Blood Sacrifice. Let Jesus, the Perfect and final Sacrifice be yours.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent of my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, Be Blessed, Be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord!