OFFERINGS & SACRIFICES

1) Who did God summon and where was their meeting located? Leviticus 1:1 Exodus 40:34-35

2) What is a requirement from God to the people regarding a Burnt Offering? Leviticus 1:2-3

3) People where to bring their offering before God. What was their part in the sacrifice and what purpose did the animal serve? Leviticus 1:4-5

4) Laying hands on the animal before taking its life is very personal, humbling, and a powerful sacrifice. If we had to kill an animal to make an atonement for sins how would that affect our behavior?

5) Imagine giving up something that is valuable to strengthen your relationship with God. Name one thing that would be tough to give up but could symbolize a growing bond with the Most High.

6) What is the priests’ part of the burnt offering service? Leviticus 1:5-9

7) In what ways can current Spiritual leaders take a similar role with their church members worship experience?

8) Another animal is mentioned as a means for sacrifice. What is it and describe the process for the person preparing this animal and the job of the priest? Leviticus 1:10-13

9) In case a person could not afford the first two animals that were mentioned, what is another option? Describe the sacrificial process for the person and priest as well. Leviticus 1:14-17

10) Why is the process of sacrifice different depending on the animal?

11) God made provisions for people of different classes to be able to take part in the same sacrificial system. What does this say about God’s character and actions towards all people?

JUST A THOUGHT

All groups are made up of different classes. This could be based on spiritual knowledge, talent, education, money, and a variety of other factors. Regardless of the assembly there will always be someone who has a lot of something while someone else has a little. This doesn’t mean that one person is more important but that everyone have their own standing in a group.

For the various offerings, often the animals chosen depends on your financial ability. Rather a bull, sheep, or dove, the animal was picked depending on the person’s ability to afford it. The prerequisite for the offering is that the animal should be perfect and prepared according to God’s requirements. Outside of that, God will accept it all. He didn’t want to force people who couldn’t get a specific animal due to financial difficulties. God made sure that people did not miss out on worship due to class differences.

The standard that all people have an opportunity for worship applies today. God made sure that just like in ancient Israel no one would be disqualified for not having enough money, spiritual knowledge, education, or anything else we use as class distinction. Instead, God base worship participation at the level of that person. This means that the Lord does not expect the same financial requirements of a teacher compare to a fortune 500 CEO. A person who has grown up in the church for decades is judge differently than someone who knows God for a day. Regardless of these differences, to the Lord all people are the same. God’s acceptance of our worship is not depended on our class. Instead it’s a matter of following the requirements that God set for all people.