The book of Leviticus is often disregarded as a book of rules and regulations that were made obsolete when Christ ushered in the New Covenant. What is often overlooked is the fact that, as we saw last study, Jesus is the completion of the law. Keeping this in mind, we look at how the laws of Leviticus are a shadow of Christ. Once again, keep in mind the parallel between the physical attributes of the Old Covenant with God’s people, the Israelites, and the spiritual attributes of the New Covenant with God’s people today, Christians.

1). One of the focuses of the book of Leviticus is God’s instructions to the Israelites regarding the sacrifices required to atone for sin. Each of the five main types of sacrifice had three aspects in common: an offering, a priest and an offerer. What do the following passages say about these aspects under the New Covenant?

a). Offering (Hebrews 10:10)

b). Priest (Hebrews 4:14)

c). Offerer (Titus 2:13-14)

2). Leviticus chapter one describes the burnt offering. This is also called a fragrant offering because it is a "pleasing aroma" for God. (Lev 1:9)

a). Read Psalm 40:6-8. Is it actually the physical offering that creates the pleasing aroma for God? If not, what is it?

b). Another important aspect of this offering is that it was to be complete. (again, Lev 1:9). Read Ephesians 5:2. Why is it important to know that Christ gave Himself completely? What should our response be?

3). The sin offering (Lev chapter 4) was solely for the atonement of sin. What does Hebrews 9:22-28 tell us about the sin offering under the New Covenant? How does this help to explain how the Old Covenant was completed, not abolished, by Jesus? (also consider Heb 13:11-13)

4). Aaron was the first high priest. Jesus is the last high priest. In this way Aaron is also a type of Christ. Consider Numbers 20:24 and Hebrews 4:14-15. What is one main difference between Aaron and Jesus?

5). Many of the laws presented in Leviticus deal with maintaining sanitary conditions, the importance of which our culture today has rediscovered as our understanding has grown in the areas of germs, contamination, venereal disease, etc. In 1845, Dr. Semmelweis (note the Jewish name) was the first to suggest washing hands in between visits of mothers who had died giving birht and those who were about to give birth. The mortality rate of mothers dropped from 15% to 2% (and Dr. Semmelweis was fired for his strange advise). Given that there was no knowledge of germs, it is entirely possible that Dr. Semmelweis’ idea came, at least in part, from his Jewish tradition.

a). Leviticus often emphasizes the washing in "running" (NIV translates it "fresh") water as part of the procedure of removing "ceremonial uncleaness". The things which could make one ceremonial unclean included many bodily discharges, including blood. Given our modern understanding of germs, what would be the advantage of using running water as opposed to a bowl of water (incidentally, the method of choice until this century)?

b). Read John 4:13-14. Note that the Living Water Jesus offers is a spring – a running source of fresh water. Explain the parallel between the Leviticus rule of running water to cleanse the body and the fountain of living water to cleanse us of sin. What does this tell you about the contagious nature of sin?

6). Leviticus seems to revolve around the Great Day of Atonement in chapter 16. On this day, one goat was sacrificed and the other had the sins of the people symbolically placed on it and was driven in to the wilderness. (hence the English term scapegoat).

a). Read Psalm 103:12. What do you think the driving of the goat in to the wilderness represented?

b). Christopher Columbus was one of the first individuals in modern history to realize the world was round. Now that we know this fact, consider how far the east is from the west. How far has God removed our sins from us?

7). Read Leviticus 17:11. How does understanding this symbolism (an understanding that was second nature to the Jewish people in Jesus’ time) explain the New Testament writers’ emphasis on Jesus shed blood and it’s "covering" of those who receive Him?

8). Though some of the images presented in the New Testament regarding Christ’s blood sound gruesome (especially to unbelievers or those new to Christianity), let us remember that they were meant symbolically, and hold some important lessons for us regarding our redemption (I Peter 1:18-19), forgiveness (Eph 1:7), justification (Rom 5:9), peace (Col 1:20), cleansing (I John 1:7), freedom from sin (Rev 1:5), access to God (Heb 10:19), victory (Rev 12:11) and glory (Rev 7:14-15). Take time this week to read these passages and reflect on what God has done for you "through the blood of Jesus"