LESSON 4 - JESUS, THE PERFECT SACRIFICE

Lesson 4 focuses on Jesus Christ as the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins of humanity. It begins with an explanation of the term "sacrifice" and a reminder of the consequences of sin. The role and limitations of animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant are presented as a backdrop to understanding why Jesus came.

The lesson also presents Jesus as the kinsman who, through His sinless life, despite suffering and temptation, was the only one capable of fully and permanently removing sin. Reflecting on Jesus' human experiences and the price He paid for our sins should lead to a deeper understanding of His role and a commitment to live in a way that honors the sacrifice He made for our salvation.

OBJECTIVES

During this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Analyze the Role of Animal Sacrifices:
2. Students should be able to identify the different aspects of animal sacrifice for sins and relate their limitations to a greater need for a perfect and final atonement.
3. Evaluate the Suitability of Jesus as the Ultimate Sacrifice based on scripture:
4. Students should be able to identify scriptures that prove that Jesus surpassed the requirements for the offering of sacrifice for sin by His sinless nature and love for God and humanity.
5. Compare the Humanity of Jesus to the Animal Sacrifices:
6. Students should be able to explain how the different aspects of animal sacrifices are related to the experiences of Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb.
7. Reflect on God’s love demonstrated through Jesus' Humanity:
8. Students should be able to relate to God’s love shown through Jesus’ suffering, and temptations that make their own experiences deeply meaningful.
9. Commit to living a life of Gratitude for Christ’s Sacrifice:
10. Students should be able to describe behaviors that show they are thankful to God for sending Jesus, and that they value His death and resurrection.

PREPARATION ACTIVITY - Self Check

Activity 4.1

Examine the statements below and indicate your agreement or disagreement with each. As you go through the lesson, you may change your response to any statement, if necessary.

Statements for Self-Check

Agreement [/] or Disagreement [x]

Under the Old Covenant, animal sacrifices were only for the wealthy.

Making a sacrifice is always costly.

Atonement is a spiritual operation that makes the sinner at one with the sacrifice.

Children of God can live sinless.

Animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant made those who believed sinless.

While Jesus walked the earth, God protected Him so that He could not sin.

SACRIFICES FOR SIN

The word salvation comes from the root word ‘save’ which means to keep, preserve or to deliver from one’s enemies. In the Christian context, salvation refers to God's act of delivering people from sin and its consequences, which is spiritual death, and granting them eternal life. As we ponder God’s marvelous plan of salvation, let us not forget that His Word in the garden to Adam and Eve concerning the forbidden tree was a binding force.

Genesis 2:17

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Death was the consequence for sin that was pronounced over Adam and Eve in the garden. This judgment came through the spoken Word of God, and once they disobeyed, death became inescapable. Therefore, to rescue them from the consequence of death they faced, there had to be one without sin who was willing to take on that death penalty. This is where the principle of sacrifice emerges.

SACRIFICE - an act of slaughtering an animal or person or surrendering a possession as an offering to God.

Sacrifices were typically animals without spot or blemish, as a blemish symbolized sin, and the principle was that sin could not atone for sin. The word “atone” means “to be at one with,” representing the act of making amends or reparation. Through atonement, the sacrifice and the sinner were seen as one, and the slaying of the sacrifice symbolized the slaying of the sinner. However, in reality, it was the animal that died, while the sinner—who deserved death—was granted forgiveness and the opportunity to live. Therefore, the animal had to be spotless to be deemed worthy to die in place of another.

These sacrifices were offered to God continually throughout generations, but it was God’s desire for man to be free from sin. The repeated offering of sacrifices indicated the persistence of sin, with each sacrifice serving as a reminder of humanity's sinful state. They were unable to stop sinning. God’s true desire was for mankind to walk in freedom from sin, rather than remain bound by it and dependent on sacrifices for forgiveness. For this reason, God set forth His own sacrifice—His Son Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Activity 4.2 - Find at least two scriptures that refer to Jesus as a lamb.

Scripture 1

Scripture 2

Hebrews 10:1-2

1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

The scripture above reveals that these sacrifices lacked the power to cleanse and rid the flesh from the spirit of iniquity. As a result, they could only provide forgiveness for a season, which is why they had to be offered continually.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT - Notice that the Hebrews 10:1-2 calls being purged from sin, PERFECTION.

Hebrews 10:4-5

4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

It is impossible for an animal to cleanse humanity from the spirit of iniquity that had stained their souls and bodies. Sin and death entered through Adam's disobedience. If the sin of one man brought death upon all, it would take the sinlessness of a man to bring salvation to mankind.

Activity 4.3 - The table below shows some of the animals that were used as sacrifices for sins.

Animal

Scripture (KJV)

Description

Bull (Ox)

Leviticus 4:3 - If the priest that is anointed do sin... then let him bring for his sin... a young bullock without blemish.

Bulls were used as sin offerings, particularly for the priests and the congregation of Israel.

Goat

Leviticus 16:15 - Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people...

Goats were commonly used as sin offerings for the people, including during the Day of Atonement.

Lamb (Sheep)

Leviticus 4:32 - And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring it a female without blemish.

Lambs were often used as sin offerings, symbolizing innocence and purity.

Ram

Leviticus 5:15 - Then he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks.

Rams were used for trespass offerings and were required to be without blemish.

Turtledove or Pigeon

Leviticus 5:7 - And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass... two turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

For those who could not afford larger animals, birds like turtledoves or pigeons were acceptable for sin offerings.

Heifer

Numbers 19:2This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord hath commanded... that they bring thee a red heifer without spot...

The red heifer was used in purification rituals, including sacrifices for cleansing from sin.

1. What is the requirement for them to be offered as a sacrifice, and what does it signify?

1. What did God put in place so that everyone, whether rich or poor, could bring an offering for their sins to be covered?

JESUS, THE KINSMAN REDEEMER

God planted a seed in the womb of a virgin, so that a holy child might come forth. In that womb, Jesus’ body was fashioned in holiness—without spot or blemish—making Him fit to be the sacrifice for the world.

By taking on flesh, Jesus established a kinsman relationship with mankind. Though He was the Son of God, His human flesh made Him fully human as well. As a man, through His sinless life, His death, and His resurrection, He was able to reverse the effects of Adam’s disobedience, paying the price for humanity's redemption.

Romans 5:19

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Activity 4.4

1. In the Bible Teacher App find the definition of the phrase - Kinsman Redeemer.
2. Use your findings, along with the list of requirements for a kinsman redeemer in the table below to describe Jesus as Kinsman Redeemer.

Some Requirements of a Kinsman Redeemer (under the Mosaic law)

Jesus as Kinsman Redeemer

1. Must be a close relative (kinsman) - Leviticus 25:48-49

2. Must have the ability to redeem (financial means or power) - Leviticus 25:25

3. Must be willing to redeem - Ruth 3:11

4. Must pay the price of redemption - Leviticus 25:51

Something to Think About: God, as the Creator and ultimate authority, has the exclusive right to determine the remedy for sin, and in His love, He provided the perfect solution, His Son (John 3:16).

SON OF MAN: FIT FOR SACRIFICE

Though Jesus did not have the influence of the spirit of iniquity in His body, this does not mean He was incapable of sin. In fact, He had the ability to choose sin and was even tested in the wilderness by the devil, who sought to make Him dishonor God. Nevertheless, despite being tempted in every way throughout His life, just as every person is, Jesus chose to live without sinning.

By choosing a sinless life, Jesus ensured that He remained fit to be the sacrifice for all, as even one sin would have disqualified Him. Moreover, His sinless life in the flesh set an example for His brethren who would come after Him, showing that they too can live without sin in the flesh. Do you believe this?

Activity 4.5 - Below are several Biblical accounts of situations that Jesus faced that showed He chose to please God rather than sin.

1. Complete the missing sections

Biblical Situation

Nature of the Temptation

Relevant Scripture (KJV)

Jesus’ Choice

Garden of Gethsemane

To avoid the suffering of the cross

Matthew 26:36-39: "Not as I will, but as thou wilt."

Submission

On the Cross (Mocked by Onlookers)

To come down from the cross and retaliate against His accusers

Luke 23:35-37: "He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God."

Meekness

Preaching in His Hometown

To avoid rejection by altering His message or staying silent

Luke 4:28-30: "They... thrust him out of the city... but he passing through the midst of them went his way."

Rejection for

Abuse for the

Truth

Temptation from His Siblings

To seek public recognition and prove Himself through miracles

John 7:2-5: "For neither did his brethren believe in him."

Humility

1. Reflect on your first response in a difficult situation that is related to or that reminds you of any of the ones above that Jesus faced.

SACRIFICING JESUS

Before it was time for Jesus to die, God shielded Him from all harm. However, when the appointed time came, He was bound, stripped, beaten, mocked, spat upon, crowned with thorns, and crucified. Why the sudden change?

Isaiah 53:4

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

God was offering Jesus as a sacrifice. The time had come for Him to bear the sins of the world. At the moment of Jesus' arrest, God, through spiritual atonement, placed the sins of all humanity on His body.

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

The sacrifices on the Day of Atonement, as outlined in Leviticus 16, serve as symbolic representations of the death and burial of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Let us examine these symbols and their spiritual significance in relation to Christ.

SYMBOL (SACRIFICE)

FULFILLMENT IN CHRIST

The Scapegoat – The scapegoat was a goat presented to the High Priest, who would pray the sins of the congregation upon it. Once the goat was made one with the people's sins, it was sent away, so far from the congregation that it could never return. (Leviticus 16:8, 10, 21 & 22)

This symbolizes how God would place all the sins of the world upon the body of Jesus Christ. Jesus gained the power to remove the sins of the world through His death for all. However, the actual removal of sins occurs at salvation, when one receives the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ. (John 1:29)

The Sin Offering – This offering was composed of a bull and a goat that were both sacrificed to atone for sin, as the wages of sin is death. The blood of both were sprinkled on the mercy seat in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle and on the bronze altar in the outer court to sanctify and cleanse. (Leviticus 16:6, 11, 14 & 15)

This symbolizes the sanctification that Jesus’ blood brings to both the outer man (the body) and the inner man (the soul and spirit), when spiritually applied through salvation. (1 Peter 1:2)

The Burnt Offering – A bull and a ram were sacrificed on the bronze altar, while the bull and goat from the sin offering were burned to ash outside the camp. (Leviticus 16:3, 24, & 27)

This symbolizes the payment for the souls of men. To atone for humanity's sins, Jesus’ soul descended into hell for three days and nights, where He endured relentless torment. (Acts 2:27-31)

Jesus is truly the Lamb of God - paying for the sins of the world with the death of His flesh and the torment of His soul. By this, the price for the reconciliation of mankind was fully paid, making a way for those who believe to be saved. This was all a part of God’s plan!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: The behaviors of some Christians suggest that they may have lost sight of the great sacrifice Christ paid for their salvation.

CONCLUSION

If we believe the Word of the Lord, we can agree that we have been given a better covenant, as animal sacrifices could not permanently atone for sin. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, for His sinless nature and love for humanity fulfilled what animal sacrifices could not. His humanity, and His experiences as the sacrificial Lamb, made the price He paid for us both personal and powerful.

Our gratitude for the immense love God showed by sending His Son to save us should inspire us to keep these truths in our hearts and reflect His love in our lives.

As we continue our studies, we will next examine Jesus' resurrection and the formation of the Church in the upcoming course on The Operation of Salvation.

MAIN POINTS

Here are some key points to remember from this lesson

The Role of Animal Sacrifices: In the Old Testament, God specified the animals, such as bulls, goats, and lambs that were to be sacrificed to cover people's sins. These sacrifices had limitations and had to be offered repeatedly as they could not fully remove sin. Animal sacrifices pointed to the need for a perfect and final atonement, which only Jesus could provide.

The Suitability of Jesus as the Ultimate Sacrifice: Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the Old Testament sacrifices but went beyond them, because He was sinless. Scriptures such as Hebrews 10:10-12, John 1:29, and 2 Corinthians 5:21 prove that Jesus was the only one who could take away sin permanently through His life and death on the cross. Unlike animals, Jesus was fully human and experienced life, suffering, and trials.

Kinsman Redeemer: Jesus satisfied all the requirements to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin. He was worthy and willing to pay the price of redemption.

Reflecting on God’s Love Through Jesus’ Humanity: Jesus’ suffering and temptation show us how much God loves us and how far He went to save humanity. His sacrifice is deeply meaningful to those who believe He shared in their experiences.

Living in Gratitude for Christ’s Sacrifice: Jesus' death was a great act of love and should inspire us to live in gratitude and respect for what He did. We are called to honor His sacrifice by living lives that reflect His love and the gift of salvation.