Lesson 9

SIN OFFERING

Reading: Lev. 4, 6:24-30

Memory verse: 1 Pet. 2:24

Theme: To lead a holy life after obtaining remission of sins by faith in Jesus Christ who became a sacrifice on the cross bearing sins of all mankind.

Introduction: What is it that keeps a man away from fellowship with God? How did sin enter into the world? What happened to mankind by the disobedience of Adam and Eve? Jesus Christ came to this world as a man and took upon Himself the punishment for our sins and suffered death on the cross. Sin offering was instituted for Isreal as a shadow of Christ's sacrifice. Christ was made sin for us.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Sin offering is one of the two non-sweet savour offerings. A person was required to offer sin offering at first when he comes to the presence of God. 

PEOPLE WHO WERE REQUIRED TO OFFER SIN OFFERING 

Four types of people were commanded to offer sin offering. 

1) Priest

2) Congregation of Isreal 

3) Elders of the people 

4) Ordinary Israelite

All people are covered by these four groups. It proclaims the truth that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:14)

As all are sinners every one needs remission of sins. Even by birth, man is a sinner and with the nature of sin. Every sin committed, whether inadvertently or not needs remission.

SACRIFICIAL ANIMALS AND METHOD OF OFFERING 

People belonging to the above four groups were commanded to offer sacrifices differently. The differences point to different aspects of the death of our Lord.

1. Sacrificial animals to be offered by the priest and congregation of Isreal were of the same type. The animal was young bull if the offering is for himself and the elders of Isreal would do the same if it is for the whole congregation. The animal is, then killed. The priest takes some blood of the animal, enters the Holy Place in the tabernacle, sprinkled it before the veil seven times and smears it on the horns of the altar of incense. The remaining blood is poured at the foot of the altar of burnt offering. Fat, kidneys and covering the liver are burnt on the altar of burnt offering. All the remaining portions of the animal are taken outside the camp to a clean place meant for dumpling ash and then burnt on a wood fire. 

Christ who came down in the form of servant took out sins and became a sin offering of Calvary. The sprinkling of blood in front of the veil signifies that we can enter into the presence of God.

 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.  How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Romans 9:11-14)

The smearing of blood on the horn of the altar of incense points to the privilege that has come to us for worshipping God. IT also signifies the intercessory prayer of Christ. Pouring of blood at the foot of the altar shows reconciliation that we have received individually with God. All the remaining portions of the animal are burnt outside the camp of Isreal. It points to the suffering the Christ had to undergo outside Jerusalem. We must also be prepared to bear His reproach and suffer outside the camp.

2. Sacrifices of elders and ordinary Israelite: An elder offers a male goat and an ordinary Israelite offers either a female goad or a female lamb. The procedure for the offering was the same in both cases. The worshiper places his hand upon the head of the animal and kills it at the entrance to the tabernacle. The priest dips his finger in the blood, smears the blood on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pours the remaining blood at the foot of the altar. Blood is not taken inside the Holy Place. Fat and kidneys of the animal are burnt on the altar. The remaining flesh is cooked and eaten by the priests inside the court of the tabernacle. "All the males among the priests shall eat thereof: it is mot holy". This points to the fellowship of the children of God who are priests. Every child of God who has obtained remission of sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ most keep themselves continually in fellowship with God and His people. This fellowship also stands for the Lord's Table. 

Have you received remission of your sins by accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour? If so, the Lord requires you to suffer for Him outside the camp, leaving all worldly pleasures. Are you prepared for it? Are you keeping in constant fellowship with God and His children?

Lesson 8

PEACE OFFERING 

Reading: Lev. 3, 7: 11-37

Memory verses: Eph. 2: 14-17

Theme: To experience the peace that Jesus Christ gives.

Introduction. Many kinds of conflicts are seen in the world. What is the reason? Conflict begins in the life of individuals and spreads into society. Therefore the solution to conflicts in society will come about if individuals enjoy peace. Individual must experience peace with God and then with fellow men. The peace offering was the shadow of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ which alone can provide peace to man abundantly.

 SACRIFICIAL ANIMAL 

A blemishless animal from among cattle or sheep can be offered as a peace offering. It is different from burnt offering in one aspect that the animal can either be male or female. Each animal (Bullock, goat, sheep) point to a particular character of Jesus Christ as we have already learned.  Although God is pleased and His righteousness is fulfilled through peace offering also, the emphasis there is on the worshiper. His infirmity or weakness is acknowledged in the female animal which may also be offered as a peace offering.

METHOD OF OFFERING

The worshipper brings the animal to the entrance of the tabernacle and places his hand on its head. The animal is then killed and the priest sprinkles its blood on the altar, Its fat and kidneys are burned on the altar. The breast of the animal is waved by the priest as a wave offering and its portions set apart for the priests. The remaining flesh is eaten by the worshipper with his family inside the court of the tabernacle. It should not be eaten outside and by an unclean person.

Meaning of the sacrifice. We are reconciled to God by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. We were once far away from God, in enmity with Him and children of wrath. Jesus Christ suffered in His body the chastisement for our peace. He is our peace. 

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,  and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.  He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.  For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Ephesians 2:13- 18)

By making peace it is not only that the enmity is removed, but also that an active fellowship with God and the inheritance of sonship are restored. God is pleased with the peace offering and the worshiper and his family become its partakers deriving happiness and satisfaction. Peace offering can also be considered as pointing towards the observance of the Lord's Table which symbolises our fellowship with God and His people. Devine peace fills and overflows in the heart of the person who has obtained peace with God and man. This is the peace of God that passes all understanding. This is the same peace which Jesus gave to his disciples.

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

TWO TYPES OF PEACE OFFERING 

1. Thanks giving offering : Lev. 7:12-15

2. Vow or voluntary offering: Lev. 7:16-19

Unleavened cakes and wafers baked with oil are offered with peace offering as Thanksgiving. Besides, leavened bread is also permitted. This is quite significant. The emphasis in peace offering is on the worshipper who is weak and with infirmities if the flesh. Although the worshiper is reconciled with God, he is still living in this body where there is constant warfare between flesh and spirit. The part of victory is to mortify the deeds of the body by the spirit continually and burn them on the altar.

 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. (Romans 7:21)

The portions of flesh set apart for the worshipper in the thanksgiving offering must be eaten on the same day. As our blessings through Christ are new every day. we must praise Him in the newness of Spirit with new songs.

The worshipper portions of the vow offering can be eaten on the same day and the next day. This points to the fact that vow we take with God and its joy are not temporary, but enduring.

Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Hence we must observe peace with all men and seek after holiness.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

Let the peace of Christ reign on our hearts.

 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.(Colossians 3:15)

Lesson 7

MEAT (MEAL) OFFERING 

Reading: Lev. 2, 6:14 -23

Memory Verses: Eph 1:4-6

Theme: To consecrate ourselves to holiness keeping in mind the significance of meal offering and the example of holy life that Jesus Christ offered in the presence of God.

Introduction: It is sin that separates man from God. What is it thatGod desires from man?

 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;  for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1: 15,16)

We see the example of a holy life in the life of Jesus Christ. Meal offering represents the holy and consecrated life that Jesus presented before man and God.

MATERIALS FOR THE OFFERING 

Meal offering is a sacrifice without blood and three types of materials can be used for the offering.

1. Fine Flour

It points to the purity and meekness of Jesus Christ whose nature does not contain any anger or guilt.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

 “He committed no sin,

    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.(1 Peter 2:21-23)

2. Unleavened cakes and wafers baked with oil

The cakes and wafers are made with fine flour. Fine flour represents purity if nature and oil represent Holy Spirit. There should not be any leaven (guilt or wickedness) in the offering.

2. Green ear of corn dried by fire.

Jesus Christ, the good corn was baked in the fire of the wrath of God and became a sweet savor offering.

MATERIALS TO BE ADDED 

1. Oil

Olive oil was poured on the material being offered. In case of cakes and wafers, they were baked in oil and cut into small pieces. Oil was then poured on them. In other words, the offering should be covered with oil. Oil represents the Holy Spirit. Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 

Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (Mathew 1:18-20)

He was filled with the Holy Spirit before His public ministry. His ministry was in the Holy Spirit. His death and His resurrection were by the Holy Spirit. Lives of believers also must be like this. We must imbibe the purity of Jesus Christ in our lives. Just as the meat offering was soaked in oil, our lives and services should be filled with the Holy Spirit.

2. Frankincense 

Frankincense is sprinkled on the sacrificial material. When it is burned in fire sweet smell fills the air. Jesus Christ walked through villages and towns and preached the gospel and healed all manner of sickness. His fame spread fast all over Galilee. He spread the sweet savour of Joy and healing all over the land. God's children should disseminate sweet savour of God in their surroundings, too. Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 2: 14-15)

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.(2 Corinthians 2:14,15)

3. Salt 

Salt is a symbol of the covenant. Moreover, salt is a purifier and a preserving agent. One of the main attributes of salt is that it adds flavour. Jesus Christ cleansed many sinners and made them acceptable to society. For example, Samaritan woman, Sinner woman, Zacchaeus, He gave comfort and joy to many by His sweet words and loving actions. All believers must endeavour to add flavours to others by their words and deeds. Remember the words of Jesus: You are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13).

MATERIAL WHICH ARE FORBIDDEN FOR USE

1. Leaven 

Wickedness, hypocrisy and false doctrines are equated to leaven in the Word of God.

 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

There was no trace of any such leaven in Christ. Children of God must observe holiness in their lives. We must be examples to others in our words deeds love faith and purity. Hypocrisy should not have any place in us. We must hold fast to the true doctrines of the Word of God.

2. Honey 

Honey represents the natural sweetness. When Jesus lived on the earth, He had no form nor comeliness and no beauty to be desired, He was despised and rejected by men and a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Let us mont desire external comeliness, but let our inner beauty be pleasing as a meal offering before God.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (1 Peter 3:3,4)

SPECIALITIES OF THE MEAL OFFERING

1. Meal offering was a bloodless sacrifice. Sacrifices with blood show that Jesus Christ has done for us through His death. But the bloodless meal offering shows what He has done for us before His death through His pure life. It shows the blessing that flows towards us from his spotless life. 

2. Materials offered for this sacrifice are made from fine flour. Produced by labour of man. Hence meal offering points to the necessity of making a diligent effort towards holiness in life. 

3. Only a part of meal offering is burned while the remaining is eaten by the priest. The worshipor does not eat out of his offering. God pleased by the meal offering presented by the our life of Jesus Christ and the redeemed believers who are priests also become partakers of the offering.

Meal offering teaches us many spiritual lessons touching our practical lives. We have to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. Let us crucify our fleshly and selfish desires. Let us dedicate ourselves in the presence of God to live a life filled with the Holy Spirit, spreading the sweet savour of Christ in the world and imparting flavour to other people. Let our lives also be a sweet savour offering to God as the life of Jesus Christ.

Lesson 6

BURNT OFFERING 

Reading: Lev.1, 6:8-13

Memory verses: Eph. 5:1-2

Theme: Let us offer ourselves as sacrifices for God just as Jesus Christ, the substance of all sacrifices offered Himself as burnt offering on the altar of the cross.

 Introduction: We have learned that all sacrifices were shadows of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. In the first chapter if Leviticus, we read about the burnt offering. It is also called an offering made by fire. It is pointing towards Jesus who offered Himself completely to God through His spotless life and through His death. God requires of us a complete surrender.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1,2)

1. IT IS TO BE OFFERED VOLUNTARILY 

Both the sin offering and the trespass offering must be offered by all compulsorily. But the burnt offering which is a sweet savor offering is brought before the Lord voluntary. Jesus Christ came down to this world of His own accord to do God's will and make us righteous before God.

 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, (Philippians 2:5-9)

2. SACRIFICIAL ANIMAL

The worshiper is allowed to offer any one of the following according to his capability:

Bullock, sheep, goat, turtle, dove or young pigeon. All these animals and birds represent various characteristics of Christ.

    a) Bullock:

Obeys its master completely and is willing to suffer any hardship for that purpose. Jesus Christ took the form of a servant and suffered at the hands of His own creation. Book of Mark describes Christ as the servant. He is referred to as servant in Isaiah 42:1,2

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. (Isaiah 42:1,2)

He obeyed His Father like a servant and worked among men also like a slave. Do we have that attitude?

so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:4,5)

b) Sheep:

Out Lord suffered affections quietly like a sheep before the shearers.

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)

We must suffer persecutions patiently.

c) Goat:

A goat carries the sin of the others

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. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place; and the man shall release it in the wilderness.  (Leviticus 16:21,22)

"Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree". Christ became a curse for us.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”   (Galatians 3:13)

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Goat represents Christ who bears the sins and curses of mankind.

d) Turtledove and young pigeon 

These birds are offered by the poor

 But if she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean. (Leviticus 12:8)

Christ became poor for our sake.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Jesus was born in a manger and lived in this world without a placeto lay His head. Moreover, Like a dove, He cried in pain without anyone coming to help Him. In Gethsemane, " He offered prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears" 

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. (Hebrews 5:7)

He cried out on the cross "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me"

3.CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SACRIFICAL ANIMAL 

a) Without blemish: The animal must be without blemish. Jesus who became a burnt offering for us was without any blemish. He was proved guiltless before God, before the courts, and before the crowd. Father God, Pilate, Thief on the cross, Roman Soldier and others bear witness to this fact.

b)Male animal: The meaning is that it must be strong and brave. Jesus Christ is mighty to save

4. METHOD OF OFFERING

a) The worshiper places his hand on the head of the animal. By this act, he admits that he deserves death for his sins and identifies himself with the animal which is going to die on his behalf. We, too, identify ourselves by faith with the death of Jesus Christ. 

b) The animal is killed. Christ suffered death which was the wages of our sin.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

c) The animal is skinned. it thus loses its own color. Jesus was counted among trespassers and crucified with thieves. Believers have to forsake their own glory and offer themselves as sacrifices in the presence of the Lord.

d) The animal is cut into pieces and placed on the altar. All the members of our body must be offered totally as Jesus offered Himself for us. Head (intelligence, thoughts), fat (strength, energy), inner portions (emotions, desired), feet (walk, way of life) and everything else must be offered to God.

 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. (Romans 6:13)

e) Everything is burnt in fire. Fire does mainly three things:

     i) It fulfills the judgment of God. For example Sodom and Gomorrah, Hell. There is no condemnation for us because Christ became a burnt offering on our behalf.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

    ii) It purifies

 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.  He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, (Malachi 3:2,3)

When we offered on the altar, we are purified by the divine fire.

     iii) It signifies God's acceptance. The acceptance of Elijah's sacrifice was shown by fire. When we surrender ourselves before God, He shows His acceptance by imparting the Holy Spirit into us. God accepted the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ and raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to the highest position. When we surrender ourselves completely, God is pleased in us. As apostle Paul said: Now it is not I who lives, but Christ livesin me.

Lesson 5

SACRIFICES OF ISRAEL 

Reading: Gen. 4: 1-15; Lev. 1 -7

Memory Verses : Heb:1,14

Theme: To learn that worshiper can attain perfection, not through the Old Testament sacrifices which were merely shadows, but only by the sanctification possible through the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

Introduction: Sacrifices were prevalent in the world from the beginning of history. The clothing of skin given by God to the first parents after they sinned can be considered as pointing to the redemptive death of Jesus Christ and as the beginning of sacrifices. Later we see sacrifices being offered by faith by Abel, Noah, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Job and others. It was through the Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai that God revealed the importance and meaning of sacrifices. All sacrifices were shadows of the single most important sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The study of various sacrifices will lead us to the understanding the sanctification, perfection, and blessings available through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Levite sacrifices: The commandments given by God regarding sacrifices are recorded in the first seven chapters of the book of Leviticus. Hence they are called Levite sacrifices. There are five important sacrifices. They are burnt offering, meal offering, peace offering, sin offering, and trespass offering 

Details of these five offering are found in the first five chapters of Leviticus. The next two chapters give conditions governing the offerings. Apart from these, there are drink offering, free will offering, thanksgiving offering.

Sacrifices: two types: Out of five Levite sacrifices, the first three are sweet savor offerings and the other two are non-sweet savor offering. Sweet savor offering are those in which sweet smelling materials are also added to the sacrificial animals. These are not added in the non-sweet savor offerings. Sweet savor offerings are associated with worship and non-sweet savor offering are associated with remission of sins. Sweet savor offering tells us how God sees Jesus Christ and the other two offerings show what Jesus Christ has accomplished for mankind. Sweet savor offerings are brought by worshiper voluntarily. On the other hand, worshiper is commanded to bring sin and trespass offerings, A sinner must offer sin and trespass offering first. After that, he is entitled to offer the other sacrifices which are thanksgiving offerings.

Meaning of sacrifices:  Various sacrifices were offered continually in the Old Testament age. They were all shadows of the single sacrifice of Jesus on the Calvary.

 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. (Hebrews 10:10-14)

The essence of all the five sacrifices is contained in that single sacrifice. The death of Jesus Christ brought glory and honor to the name of God. Therefore, Jesus Christ became a sweet smelling sacrifice for God. Moreover, His death was sufficient for the remission of the sins of mankind. "In the end of the world, He appeared to 

 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself..(Hebrews 9:24-26)

1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.(1 John 2:1-2)

Therefore, the substance of all the propitiatory offerings is Christ, Himself.

Jesus Christ was not only the sacrificial animal But also the High Priest who offered the sacrifice and even the altar where the sacrifice was offered, In the Old Testament sacrifices, the alter the sacrifice and the priest were all different. But in the ultimate sacrifice, all these three have merged into one person, Jesus Christ. Let us praise God for the unique sacrificial death of the unique Christ. At the same time let us offer our selves as sacrifices in the presence of God.

Lesson 4

THE CONSECRATION OF THE PRIESTS 

Reading: Exo. 29: Lev. 8

Memory Verses: Rom. 12: 1-2 

Theme: To study the spiritual meaning of various ceremonies performed during the consecration of Israeli priests and offer ourselves totally in the presence of God.

Introduction:  A person who is volunteering for any service should dedicate himself to the same. Although all the sons in Aarons family were called for priestly service, they still had to be consecrated for it. Seven steps were required for consecration. In a similar way, believers who are called to be priests in the New Testament age must also go through the experiences of consecration for the priestly service. The seven steps associated with the consecration priests were shadows of the spiritual experiences of a consecrated believer.  

1. Washing with water (Exo. 29:4; Lev 8:6)

Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water. (Exodus 29:4)


Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons forward and washed them with water. (Leviticus 8:6)

On the day of consecration the priest is brought to the Tabernacle and washed with water and cleansed. This points to the requirement of being born again by the Word of God. Word of God is compared to water in the Bible.

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:18)

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)

Above stated verses clearly, say the rebirth is by the Word of God. Jesus taught that a person is born again by the water and the Spirit.

 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. (John 3:5)

Here water refers to the Word of God. Holy Spirit convicts a person of his sins through the Word of God and leads him to Jesus Christ. thus the person is born again. A person who is not born again cannot be a priest and worship God. Although a person is not born again by baptism, his born-again experience is proclaimed through baptism.

2. Putting on the garments (Lev. 8: 7-9)

He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him. He also fastened the ephod with a decorative waistband, which he tied around him. 8 He placed the breastpiece on him and put the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. (Leviticus 8:7,8)


We have seen that the garment of the high priest shows the divine glory of Jesus Christ. God has called us to HIs salvation in order that we may also receive the glory of Christ.

He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2: 14)

Therefore all believers must strive to attain the glory represented by the high priestly garments. The white coat signifies the garment of righteousness that we receive through Jesus Christ. Let us serve our Lord wearing the girdle of truth, the mitre of salvation ect...


3.Anointment with oil (Lev. 8:12,13)

The priest who is cleansed with water and dressed in official garments is then anointed with oil. Oil is poured on his head. Anointing oil represents Holy Spirit. A child of God who is born again and given the robe of righteousness has to be anointed by the Holy Spirit. The priesthood is confirmed only by the anointing oil. 

Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. (Exodus 29:7)

Anointing of the Holy Spirit is the earnest for our inheritance.

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,  who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:14)

In the Old Testament days priests, prophets, and kings used to be anointed with oil. Christ our High priest was also anointed by the Holy Spirit. Therefore all believers must also be anointed with the Holy Spirit.

4.An offering of sacrifices (Lev. 8:14 -28)

A sacrifice of consecration is offered after a sin offering and a burnt offering. The fat portions from inside and the right thigh of the sacrificial animal, an unleavened cake, a cake of oiled bread and a wafer are kept in the hands of priests and waved in the presence of God. The right thigh represents our strength, the fat from inside represents our innermost being and the other articles represent our material possessions. We have to present ourselves totally as a living sacrifice.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12: 1,2)

5. Cleansing of members of the body by blood (Lev 8: 23,24)

Blood of the ram is put on the tip of the right ear and the thumb of the right hand. This act points to the dedication of our ears to hear the voice of God and our hands for His work by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.  (Romans 6: 13)

6. Cleansing of the garments (Lev 8: 30)

Garments of the priest are sanctified by the blood and anointing oil. Garments of the saints are their works of righteousness. These must also be sanctified by the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit.

 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.).  (Revelation 19: 7,8)

7. Eating bread at the door of the Tabernacle (Lev 8: 31)

The priest stays at the door of the Tabernacle for seven days sustained by bread from the basket and the flesh of the ram. Believers must remain in the presence of God and be in fellowship with the Lords and his people. The food at the door of the Tabernacle also points Lord's Table which commemorates our Lord's death.

 Moreover, it points to the great feast in the kingdom of God.

Believers must spend all the days of their lives in the temple which is the church and renew their consecration continually.

Lesson 3

PRIESTLY GARMENTS 

Reading: Exo.28 and 39

Memory verse: Heb.2:9

Theme: To understand the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ, our High Priest and to endeavour to grow closer to His image.

Introduction: Whom does the Israeli high priest foreshadow? Whom to the ordinary priests stand for? For both the types of priests, official garments are prescribed to suit their status and position. Let this study of their dresses help us see the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ and create in us a desire to be like him.

OFFICAL GARMENTS OF THE HIGH PRIEST 

There were seven pieces of clothing assigned to the high priest.

1. Long coat (tunic)- Exo. 39:27-29

2. Blue Robe -Exo28:31- 34

3. Ephod - Exo 28:6-13, 39:2-5

4. Girdle of the Ephod - Exo 28:8, Lev 8:7

5. Linen Girdle - Lev.8:7 Exo. 39:8-21

6. Breastplate - Exo.28:14-30, 39:8-21

7.Mitre (Turben) - Lev.8:9, Exo.28:36-39

1. Long Coat (Tunic): The first appeal that the high priest has to ware over his white undergarment is the long coat made of white linen. White colour represents holiness. the Lord covers  Himself with light

The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent (Psalm 104:2)

There is no darkness (sin) in Jesus Christ. 

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (1John 1:5)

Let us reflect the glory of the holiness of Jesus Christ in our lives. The essence of holiness is to do the will of God. Jesus submitted Himself fully to the will of God. Therefore holiness was His garment.

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15,16)


2.Blue robe: The robe is woven as a single piece of cloth without stitching and with a hole in the middle just large enough for the high priests head to pass through. Bells made of gold and pomegranates made of blue, purple and scarlet linen were hung alternately in its hem. The blue colour of the robe stands for the heavenly grace of Jesus Christ. Its quality of being woven without stitching shows the unbroken flow of Gods grace. The golden bells and the pomegranates hanging in the hem of this robe covering the body of high priest represent the gifts and fruits of Spirit which abound in the Church, the body of Christ.

3. Ephod:  This garment was crafted skillfully with gold and blue, purple and scarlet linen. It reached from the shoulder to the knee of the high priest. It also had a girdle attached to it. An onyx stone was fixed on each shoulder of the Ephod. The name of the 12 tribes of Isreal was engraved on the stones, six on each, in the order of their birth. The high priest was carrying each of the tribes of Isreal on his shoulders while he was standing in the presence of God. This points to the fact that Jesus Christ, our High Priest, is holding us on his strong shoulders.

4. Girdle of Ephod: The girdle points to the readiness of Jesus Christ for service. Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Jesus showed His willingness to serve even at the last supper when He washed the feet of His disciples.

 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:4,5)

5.Linen girdle (For the blue robe): This girdle in fine needlework using blue, purple and scarlet linen represents the truth. Righteousness and truth are the foundations of Christ's throne. Truth should be our girdle too.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place (Ephesians 6:14)

6.Breastplate: The breastplate was also known as the plate of Judgement. This was the most precious and beautiful item among the garments of the high priest and was woven like the ephod. It was a square piece measuring one span long and one span wide after it was folded double, It was attached to the Ephod. with golden chains above the girdle such that it would appear close to the chest of the high priest. Inside the breastplate were kept Urim and Thummim which meant "revelation" and "Truth". Probably these were two precious stones used to find out the will of God. Twelve precious stones were mounted in a gold setting in four rows on the breastplate. The names of all the tribes of Isreal were engraved on the precious stones. Every one of us is a treasure of God. As our High Priest, Christ is bearing us continually in His loving heart in the presence of God. How much comfort and joy this knowledge should create in us!

7. Miter (Turban): The mitre (Turban) was made of fine linen attached to it with a blue cord was a plate made of pure gold with the words " Holy to the Lord", engraved on it. When the high priest was wearing the turban, the golden plate would be hanging in front of his forehead. Thus the high priest was shown to be bearing the guilt of all things which the people of Isreal were consecrating. This mitre points to the fact that our High Priest wore the crown of thorns to sanctify us. He will now appear finally as the King of kings and Lord of Lords.


The perfection of Jesus Christ is a divine mystery. In him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And we as His body also grow to perfection.

 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.(Col.2:9,10) 


Let His glory and His divine beauty be always in our meditations.

THE OFFICIAL GARMENTS OF ORDINARY PRIESTS 

There were three pieces of clothing assigned for ordinary priests to wear over their white undergarments

Make tunics, sashes and caps for Aaron’s sons to give them dignity and honor.(Exo. 28:40)

1. Long coat: This coat made of white linen point to holiness. Believers must be holy in the sight of      God in all respects.

2.Girdle: As the girdle distinguishes priests, the believers also should be distinguished by the girdle of truth. Nothing against truth should ever be seen in believers.

 3. Holy mitre (Turben): Jesus Christ wore the crown of thrones and became the supreme sacrifice for us in order to give us the helmet of salvation. Therefore let us shine as witnesses of our saviour wearing on our heads the mitre of salvation that we received by faith in Him.


Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)