Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering – A Picture of Worship and Atonement

Key Verse: Leviticus 1:9 "It is a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord."

Leviticus begins with God calling to Moses from the Tabernacle. The dwelling place of God is established, but now, how can sinful people approach a holy God? The answer begins with sacrifice.

The Purpose of the Burnt Offering

The first sacrifice God instructs His people about is the burnt offering. This offering was unique because it was completely consumed on the altar—nothing was left behind. It symbolized total surrender, worship, and atonement for sin.

There were three types of burnt offerings a person could bring, depending on their ability:

• A bull (for the wealthy)

• A sheep or goat (for the middle class)

• A bird, such as a dove or pigeon (for the poor)

No matter what someone could afford, God made a way for everyone to worship Him.

The Process of the Offering

1. The Worshiper Brings the Animal – The offering had to be without blemish (Leviticus 1:3), a symbol of perfection.

2. The Worshiper Lays Hands on It – This act represented the transfer of sin, acknowledging that the sacrifice was taking their place.

3. The Animal is Slaughtered – The blood was sprinkled on the altar, signifying atonement.

4. The Offering is Burned Completely – The entire animal was given to God, a pleasing aroma in His sight.

Jesus: Our Perfect Burnt Offering

The burnt offering was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ.

• A Perfect Sacrifice – Just as the burnt offering had to be spotless, Jesus was without sin. (1 Peter 1:19)

• A Willing Offering – Jesus gave Himself fully, just as the entire burnt offering was consumed. (Ephesians 5:2)

• A Pleasing Aroma – Christ’s sacrifice was a fragrant offering to God, making a way for us to be in His presence. (Ephesians 5:2)

A Lesson for Us

• Are we offering ourselves fully to God, or are we holding something back?

• Do we approach God with repentance, recognizing that Jesus took our place?

• Is our worship a pleasing aroma, offered from a surrendered heart?

Leviticus 1 teaches that approaching God requires a sacrifice. In Christ, the sacrifice has been made once and for all. Now, our lives are the offering.

Will we surrender completely to Him?