“For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.” – Hebrews 13:11-12
Every sacrifice commanded in the Old Testament pointed forward to what Jesus did for us on the cross. The entire bloody system of sacrifices existed to prepare people to understand, believe in, and be cleansed by the person and work of Jesus. It visibly demonstrated the terrible cost of sin. Every sin is a rebellion against the God of life. Every sin results in death. Sin can only be covered by the bloody death of an innocent creature. Every sacrifice must be without spot of blemish. The remains of every sacrifice must be disposed of outside the place where God’s people live.
Jesus is the fulfillment of it all. He is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. He is the innocent and eternal Son of God, fully God and fully human. He lived a perfect life without sin, spot, or blemish, resisting every temptation the devil threw at Him. His innocent blood was shed on the cross to atone for the guilt of your sins. His body was buried in a tomb outside the city walls. Everything about the Old Testament sacrifices pointed toward Jesus.
As the final, ultimate sacrifice, the blood of Jesus washes everyone clean who believes in Him. His blood washes away the guilt and shame of your sins the moment you trust in Him. His resurrection is the proof that His sacrifice was accepted and sufficient to cover your sins. Remember these truths whenever you read or hear about the Old Testament sacrifices. Understand the deep truths of what Jesus did for you. #FollowJesus