The book of Leviticus may be boring but it reveals the reality of God's holiness and the problem of sinful man.
Talking Points:
- Rituals were used as a way to say “Thank You” or “I’m Sorry” to God often in the form of animal sacrifice or festivals. Leviticus 1:3-4
- The priests were special representatives that could go into God’s presence on behalf of the people.
- The purity laws were all about what made someone clean or unclean, pure or impure. The impure couldn’t be in God’s presence so they would have to do certain things to be made clean again. Leviticus 4:13-14
- The Day of Atonement was an annual event where the priests would offer a sacrifice for all sins. The first goat represented the substitute for the people. Its death absorbed God’s wrath. The second goat or the “scape goat”, symbolized taking all of the sins upon it and being banished in the wilderness taking the sins with it. Leviticus 16:6-10
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Why are rules important in society today? What are some of the rules you grew up with and what rules do you have in your family today?
- Read Leviticus 1:3-4. Why did the people have to present an unblemished animal for sacrifice?
- Why did God use priests as intermediaries for the people?
- Read Leviticus 4:13-14. What do you think it was like to be an Israelite at this time? Why don’t we function under this system any longer?
- Read Leviticus 16:6-10 and Romans 8:1-4. How did Jesus fulfill what was done during the day of atonement? How did Jesus come to bring hope and freedom?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
