BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Exodus ends with God’s rebellious people unable to enter his presence. Leviticus introduces the solution. Despite humanity’s sinfulness, God wants to be with his people, so he graciously provides a way for humans to enter his presence.

In the video, we learn how the feasts, sacrifices, priests, and purity laws in Leviticus preserve the relationship between God and his covenant people.

Today’s reading introduces some of the ritual sacrifices in Leviticus, starting with the most costly. With most offerings, the presiding priest keeps part of the offering to eat and then burns the rest of the animal. The burnt offering, however, involves incinerating the entire animal, representing total surrender to God. In gift offerings (also called grain offerings) and peace offerings (also called fellowship offerings), the Israelites give some of their crops and livestock back to God.

With these sacrifices, the Israelites express their gratitude to God. They’re invited to remember and celebrate God, who not only dwells with them but showers them with generosity and love.

Reflection Questions

• Think back on the stories you’ve read where human beings encounter God’s holy presence. What steps do they take to respect the dangerous intensity of God’s holiness?
• What kinds of gifts are the Israelites invited to offer God through the gift and peace offerings? What does this suggest about the nature of their gratitude?