The Sacrifice for Sin, the Call to Holiness, and
the Hope of Atonement
Leviticus picks up right where Exodus leaves off, with God’s glory dwelling among His people in the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35, ch. 1:1). This raises a crucial question: how can a sinful people live in the presence of holy God? Leviticus answers by giving instructions for sacrifice, worship, and daily life, showing that sin must be dealt with and that God’s people are called to be holy as He is holy (ch. 17:11, 19:2). Through these laws, God graciously provides a way for Israel to approach Him, remain in fellowship with Him, and live as His set-apart people.
These sacrifices and rituals point beyond themselves to Jesus Christ. The offerings in Leviticus show that atonement requires the shedding of blood (ch. 17:11), but they had to be repeated again and again. Jesus fulfills this as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11-14, 10:1-14), making a way for full and final forgiveness. He is both the perfect sacrifice and the true High Priest, and through Him we are made clean and brought near to God. The call to holiness in Leviticus is also fulfilled in Jesus, who makes His people holy and calls them to live in that holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).
While only a few chapters are selected, these readings have been carefully chosen to reflect the heart of Leviticus as we see it point to Jesus. You’ll see the necessity of sacrifice (ch. 1), the depth of atonement and the role of blood (ch. 16, 17:11), the call to live as God’s holy people (ch. 19), and the rhythms of worship that shape life around God’s presence (ch. 23). Together, they trace the way to holiness and the hope of atonement, showing both the problem of sin and God’s gracious provision. These passages not only prepare us to understand the work of Jesus but also call us to live as a people made holy through Him.
Let’s dive in together and see Jesus in Leviticus!
- May 25 — ch. 1
God provides the burnt offering to atone for sin through a spotless substitute, pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God without blemish or sin. - May 26 — ch. 16, 17:11
God introduces the Day of Atonement, where a sin-bearing substitute and the life blood deal with sin, pointing to Jesus whose blood cleanses all sin. - May 27 — ch. 19
God calls His people to be holy as He is holy and to love their neighbor as themselves, pointing to Jesus who is holy, holy, holy. - May 28 — ch. 23
God appoints feasts for His people to remember His saving works and worship Him, pointing to their fulfillment in Jesus.
Continue in the See JESUS in the Old Testament readings as we begin Numbers!
Just Keith Harris 