People who love God still sin unintentionally. By nature, we are sinners. We need to be forgiven of our sins (vv. 1,2). The sin offering provides a way for forgiveness. It must be addressed in each of our lives, starting at the top with the priest, then the elders, next the leaders, and lastly, lay people.

If a priest sins, he must bring a young bull, signifying that he is held in greater accountability. He must put his hand on the head of the offering, thus identifying himself with the sacrifice. Sin seriously offends God, so the curtain of his presence must be covered with blood. Sin affects our prayer, so the altar of incense must be covered with blood. Sin requires atonement, so the altar for burnt offerings must also be covered with blood. The fat, or best part, was burnt and offered fully to God. The useless parts were burnt outside the camp, representing the removal of selfishness which leads to sin.

The sin offering for the community was similar. Sin offerings for a leader and a lay member decrease in value and demand less in rituals. Forgiveness is necessary for justice and healing. Ultimately, only Jesus the Lamb of God takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29). We all need his forgiveness.


Application: Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. I need Jesus' forgiveness.
One Word: An offering for the forgiveness of sins