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!
The Promised Seed, the Covenant, and the Substitute
Genesis begins God’s Story by showing Him as Creator of all things, making a world that was “very good” (ch. 1:31), yet sin quickly enters through Adam and Eve’s disobedience (ch. 3:1-7). Sin’s effects spread through every part of life — violence, corruption, and rebellion against God (ch. 6:5, 11:1-9). Even in judgment, though, God shows mercy and grace, preserving Noah through the flood and making a covenant with him (ch. 9:8-17). As Genesis unfolds, the focus narrows from all humanity to one family, as God calls Abraham and promises to bless all nations through him (ch. 12:1-3). This shift reveals that God is not abandoning His world but is working out His plan to redeem it.
From the beginning, Genesis points forward to Jesus. God promises that the seed of woman will defeat the serpent (ch. 3:15), a promise ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:16, 1 John 3:8). Through Abraham, God establishes a covenant of blessing for all nations (ch. 12:1-3, 15:1-6, 17:1-8), which finds its fulfillment in Jesus and the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20, Galatians 3:8). When Abraham is called to offer Isaac, God provides a substitute in his place (ch. 22:13), pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29, Romans 8:32). Even as the Story progresses, the promise of a coming King emerges through Judah’s line (ch. 49:10), ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of Abraham and and Son of David (Matthew 1:1).
While not every chapter of Genesis is included, these readings have been carefully suggested to help trace this gospel thread clearly for Christ Community and The Foundry. You’ll move from creation to the fall to the flood and God’s covenant with Noah, then to Abraham and the promises that shape the rest of Scripture. Key moments — like God’s covenant in Genesis 15 and 17, the substitute in Genesis 22, the reaffirmation of God’s promise in Genesis 28, God’s providential saving work through Joseph in Genesis 50, and the promise of the coming King in Genesis 49 — highlight The Promised Seed, the Covenant, and the Substitute. Some passages point directly to Jesus, while others build the foundation we need to understand Him and to understand later chapters in later books of the Old Testament, too. By the end of Genesis, God’s people are in Egypt, waiting for deliverance, and setting the stage for what comes next.
Let’s dive in together and see Jesus in Genesis!
April 18 — ch. 1:1-23 God creates a good and ordered world by His Word, pointing to Jesus, the Word of God through whom all things were made and hold together.
April 19 — ch. 2:4-25 God forms man from the dust and establishes marriage, pointing to Jesus, the Bridegroom of the Church who gives life and restores the lost.
April 20 — ch. 3 Sin enters the world through Adam, but God promises the coming Seed who will crush the serpent and atone for sin.
April 21 — ch. 4 Sin spreads through Cain, but God preserves the promised offspring through whom people call on His name.
April 22 — ch. 5 Death reigns through Adam’s line, yet God preserves the promised offspring.
April 23 — ch. 6:1-8 Humanity’s sin grows great and fills the earth, yet Noah find favor by God’s grace.
April 24 — ch. 6:9-7:24 God judges sin through the flood but provides the ark, pointing to Jesus as the only way to be saved from the wrath of God.
April 25 — ch. 8:1-9:17 God delivers Noah through the flood and establishes His covenant, pointing to mercy after judgment.
April 26 — ch. 9:18-10:32 The nations are birthed and spread from Noah’s sons, with God preserving the promised line through Shem.
April 27 — ch. 11:1-26 God scatters the nations at Babel yet preserves the promised line through Shem to Abram (Abraham).
April 28 — ch. 11:27-12:9 God calls Abram and promises to bless all nations through his offspring — which, according to Galatians 3:16 is a reference to Jesus.
April 29 — ch. 15 God confirms His covenant with Abram, promising offspring and counting his faith as righteousness.
April 30 — ch. 17:1-22 God establishes His covenant with Abraham through Isaac, pointing to Jesus, the promised Offspring.
May 1 — ch. 22 God provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac, pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God who would die as our Substitute.
May 2 — ch. 28:10-22 God confirms His promise to Jacob and reveals a ladder to heaven, pointing to Jesus as the only Way to the Father.
May 3 — ch. 37 Joseph is rejected and sold by his brothers, yet God already has a plan to raise him up.
May 4 — ch. 40 God gifts Joseph with the ability to interpret dreams, bringing life to one and judgment to another.
May 5 — ch. 41 God raises Joseph from the pit to rule and provide bread in a time of famine, preparing the way to preserve His people.
May 6 — ch. 44 Judah offers himself in place of Benjamin, showing a heart of sacrifice and responsibility.
May 7 — ch. 45 Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, showing God preserving His people and the promised line despite their sin.
May 8 — ch. 46 God brings Jacob and his family to Egypt, not only preserving the promised line but fulfilling His promise that they would become a nation.
May 9 — ch. 49:1-2, 8-12 Jacob blesses his sons before his death, prophesying a coming King from Judah — Jesus — to whom all nations will bow.
The Deliverer, the Passover Lamb, and God’s Presence
Exodus continues God’s Story as His people, now multiplied in Egypt, are enslaved and oppressed (ch. 1:8-14). Though it may seem to some that God’s presence seems hidden at first, He hears His people’s cries, remembers His covenant with Abraham, and raises up Moses as their deliverer (ch. 2:23-25, 3:7-10). God reveals His power of Egypt through mighty acts of judgment and brings His people out of slavery, making it clear that He alone is the Lord (ch. 6:6-7). He leads them through the Red Sea on dry ground, defeats their enemies, and provides for them in the wilderness, showing both His power to save and His faithfulness to sustain (ch. 14:13-14, 16:12). At Mount Sinai, God establishes His covenant with Israel, giving His Law and calling them to be His people (ch. 20:2-3, 24:7-8).
Exodus points to clearly to Jesus as the greater fulfillment of these events. God raises up Moses as their deliverer, but Jesus is the greater Deliverer who rescues His people — not from Pharaoh but from sin and death (John 8:34-36). The Passover, where the blood of the lamb saves God’s people from judgment (ch. 12:13), points to Jesus, the true Passover Lamb whose blood brings redemption (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19). The covenant established at Sinai (ch. 24:8) anticipates the new covenant in Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20). And just as God dwelt among His people in the tabernacle (ch. 40:34-38), so in Jesus, God “tabernacled” among us in the flesh (John 1:14), securing forever His presence with His people.
While not ever chapter of Exodus is included, these readings have been carefully selected to help trace this gospel thread clearly. You’ll follow the story from Israel’s bondage (chs. 1-3) to God’s promise of deliverance (ch. 6:1-13), the Passover (ch. 12), and the salvation at the Red Sea (chs. 14-15). Along the way, God provides for His people (chs. 16-17), establishes His covenant (chs. 20, 24), and reveals both His holiness and mercy when the covenant is broken and renewed (chs. 32-34). The book culminates with God’s presence filling the tabernacle (ch. 40), highlighting The Deliverer, the Passover Lamb, and God’s Presence. Some passages directly point to Jesus, while others build the foundation needed to understand Him, showing that the God who saves also dwells with His people.
Let’s dive in together and see Jesus in Exodus!
May 10 — ch. 1 God multiplies His people in Egypt according to His promise, even as they are oppressed.
May 11 — ch. 2 God hears the cries of His people, remembers His covenant with them, and preserves Moses, preparing to raise him up to deliver them.
May 12 — ch. 3 God reveals Himself as I AM and calls Moses, promising to be with him to deliver His people.
May 13 — ch. 6:1-13 God reaffirms His covenant and promises to redeem His people with a mighty hand.
May 14 — ch. 12 God delivers His people through the blood of the Passover lamb, pointing to Jesus, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
May 15 — ch. 14 God parts the Red Sea, delivering His people as they walk across on dry land, and defe3ats their enemy with the waters to save them.
May 16 — ch. 15 God’s people praise Him as their salvation and Redeemer, pointing to Jesus, the eternal King who saves, redeems, and reigns forever.
May 17 — ch. 16 God provides bread from heaven (manna) to sustain His people in the wilderness, pointing to Jesus, the Bread of Life.
May 18 — ch. 17 God provides water from the rock and victory over their enemies, pointing to the life given and the ultimate victory over every enemy in Him.
May 19 — ch. 20 God gives His Law, revealing His holiness, our inability to keep the Law, and our need for Him to rescue us from our sin.
May 20 — ch. 24 God confirms His covenant with His people through the blood of sacrifice, pointing to a new and greater covenant in the blood of Jesus.
May 21 — ch. 32 God’s people break the covenant through idolatry, and Moses intercedes for them, reminding us our our need for Jesus as our Advocate when we sin.
May 22 — ch. 33 God promises His presence to dwell among His people through the tent of meeting, pointing to the presence of God dwelling in the person of Jesus.
May 23 — ch. 34 God renews His covenant with His people and reveals His steadfast love, mercy, and grace, pointing to their fullness in Jesus.
May 24 — ch. 40 God fills the tabernacle with His glory, representing Him dwelling among His people and pointing us to Jesus taking on flesh and dwelling with us.
The Promised Seed, the Covenant, and the Substitute
Genesis begins God’s Story by showing Him as Creator of all things, making a world that was “very good” (ch. 1:31), yet sin quickly enters through Adam and Eve’s disobedience (ch. 3:1-7). Sin’s effects spread through every part of life — violence, corruption, and rebellion against God (ch. 6:5, 11:1-9). Even in judgment, though, God shows mercy and grace, preserving Noah through the flood and making a covenant with him (ch. 9:8-17). As Genesis unfolds, the focus narrows from all humanity to one family, as God calls Abraham and promises to bless all nations through him (ch. 12:1-3). This shift reveals that God is not abandoning His world but is working out His plan to redeem it.
From the beginning, Genesis points forward to Jesus. God promises that the seed of woman will defeat the serpent (ch. 3:15), a promise ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:16, 1 John 3:8). Through Abraham, God establishes a covenant of blessing for all nations (ch. 12:1-3, 15:1-6, 17:1-8), which finds its fulfillment in Jesus and the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20, Galatians 3:8). When Abraham is called to offer Isaac, God provides a substitute in his place (ch. 22:13), pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29, Romans 8:32). Even as the Story progresses, the promise of a coming King emerges through Judah’s line (ch. 49:10), ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of Abraham and and Son of David (Matthew 1:1).
While not every chapter of Genesis is included, these readings have been carefully suggested to help trace this gospel thread clearly for Christ Community and The Foundry. You’ll move from creation to the fall to the flood and God’s covenant with Noah, then to Abraham and the promises that shape the rest of Scripture. Key moments — like God’s covenant in Genesis 15 and 17, the substitute in Genesis 22, the reaffirmation of God’s promise in Genesis 28, God’s providential saving work through Joseph in Genesis 50, and the promise of the coming King in Genesis 49 — highlight The Promised Seed, the Covenant, and the Substitute. Some passages point directly to Jesus, while others build the foundation we need to understand Him and to understand later chapters in later books of the Old Testament, too. By the end of Genesis, God’s people are in Egypt, waiting for deliverance, and setting the stage for what comes next.
Let’s dive in together and see Jesus in Genesis!
April 18 — ch. 1:1-23 God creates a good and ordered world by His Word, pointing to Jesus, the Word of God through whom all things were made and hold together.
April 19 — ch. 2:4-25 God forms man from the dust and establishes marriage, pointing to Jesus, the Bridegroom of the Church who gives life and restores the lost.
April 20 — ch. 3 Sin enters the world through Adam, but God promises the coming Seed who will crush the serpent and atone for sin.
April 21 — ch. 4 Sin spreads through Cain, but God preserves the promised offspring through whom people call on His name.
April 22 — ch. 5 Death reigns through Adam’s line, yet God preserves the promised offspring.
April 23 — ch. 6:1-8 Humanity’s sin grows great and fills the earth, yet Noah find favor by God’s grace.
April 24 — ch. 6:9-7:24 God judges sin through the flood but provides the ark, pointing to Jesus as the only way to be saved from the wrath of God.
April 25 — ch. 8:1-9:17 God delivers Noah through the flood and establishes His covenant, pointing to mercy after judgment.
April 26 — ch. 9:18-10:32 The nations are birthed and spread from Noah’s sons, with God preserving the promised line through Shem.
April 27 — ch. 11:1-26 God scatters the nations at Babel yet preserves the promised line through Shem to Abram (Abraham).
April 28 — ch. 11:27-12:9 God calls Abram and promises to bless all nations through his offspring — which, according to Galatians 3:16 is a reference to Jesus.
April 29 — ch. 15 God confirms His covenant with Abram, promising offspring and counting his faith as righteousness.
April 30 — ch. 17:1-22 God establishes His covenant with Abraham through Isaac, pointing to Jesus, the promised Offspring.
May 1 — ch. 22 God provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac, pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God who would die as our Substitute.
May 2 — ch. 28:10-22 God confirms His promise to Jacob and reveals a ladder to heaven, pointing to Jesus as the only Way to the Father.
May 3 — ch. 37 Joseph is rejected and sold by his brothers, yet God already has a plan to raise him up.
May 4 — ch. 40 God gifts Joseph with the ability to interpret dreams, bringing life to one and judgment to another.
May 5 — ch. 41 God raises Joseph from the pit to rule and provide bread in a time of famine, preparing the way to preserve His people.
May 6 — ch. 44 Judah offers himself in place of Benjamin, showing a heart of sacrifice and responsibility.
May 7 — ch. 45 Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, showing God preserving His people and the promised line despite their sin.
May 8 — ch. 46 God brings Jacob and his family to Egypt, not only preserving the promised line but fulfilling His promise that they would become a nation.
May 9 — ch. 49:1-2, 8-12 Jacob blesses his sons before his death, prophesying a coming King from Judah — Jesus — to whom all nations will bow.
For about a year and a half at Christ Community Church (Grenada, MS) and The Foundry Church (Winona, MS), we’ve been involved in various Bible reading plans to help us get into the Word of God for the purpose of growing in and closer to Jesus.
We’ve read through various books of the Bible like Proverbs and the Psalms, and we just completed 260 days reading through the New Testament a chapter a day. We now turn our focus to the Old Testament, but we aren’t changing our focus — we’re reading selected passages in each Old Testament book looking at how Jesus shows up from before “In the beginning, God….” all the way to His incarnation in the gospels.
You don’t have to be a member of either Christ Community or The Foundry; you are welcome to join us in the readings and grow in Christ together!
Below, you’ll find links to go to the digital versions of each section of our reading plan as well as places to download a pdf of each section.
Just Keith Harris 