The Sacrifice Of Christ

February 13, 2013            Lev 1–3, Matt 26:36–56, Ps 22:15–21, Prov 4:17–19

Leviticus 1-3

You might be thinking as you open up the book of Leviticus, “Why do I care about this book?” or perhaps, “Should I just skim this book?”

The truth is there is some real good information in this book that is applicable to us today. I am planing to do two sermons from this book over the next two weeks just to prove the point.

The key word in Leviticus is holiness. In this book we will learn about sacrifice. Sin has consequences and a sacrifice is needed. There are five types of sacrifices given: burnt, grain, peace, sin and trespass offerings.

The book will also teach us about what holiness looks like. Third, we will learn about Christ through this book.

Through the burnt offering we will see Jesus was the perfect dedication to God (John 10:17; Rom. 5:19; Heb. 10:10). Through the grain offering we see Jesus had perfect character (Eph. 5:2). Through the peace offering we learn about the peace between God and man and Jew and Gentile that Christ brings (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14, 17; Col. 1:20). Through the sin offering we see that Jesus took the place of our sins on the cross (2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Peter 2:4). Finally, through the trespass offering we learn how Jesus paid the debt for our sins (Luke 7:36-50).

In these three chapters we deal with the first of the three offerings. Read Hebrews 10:1-14 for more information of how these apply to Christ (and look at the verses above).

Matthew 26:36-56

The prayer time in Gethsemane is recorded in all four Gospels with each giving a little more information.

As you read through this account what stands out to you? What is the cup Jesus speaks of here?

The betrayal of Jesus is sickening to read and imagine, however it was foretold and used by God in a mighty way. Never fear where you are doing the will of the Lord, for in the end the reward is there for the faithful.

How would you have responded if you had been there?

Psalm 22:15-21

As you read this Psalm what parallels do you see with the death of Christ?

Proverbs 4:17-19

The reference is to the full splendor of noon time, which here seems to represent that eternal day into which the righteous enter at the conclusion of life. The verse illustrates the gradual growth and increase of the righteous in knowledge, holiness and joy as they proceed along the path of wisdom (4:18–19). How is your journey going?

Pray today about all that Christ has done for you.

Say a prayer for Ryan Dent too as he has a stomach bug and could not make it to church today.