Scripture Reading: Psalm 103:8-18; Ephesians 1:4; Titus 2:14
Memory Verse: “…without shedding of blood is no remission” —Matthew 26:28
Introduction:
The writer of Hebrews points out that we have a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. This is the real thing, not just a picture of what is to come, as was the tabernacle. This Christ is not a temporary mediator, as the priests were. He does not sit in a tabernacle made by human hands, but in the heavenly throne of God, of which the tabernacle was only a dim reflection. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: that he had to make everything according to the pattern shown to him on the mountain. This plan was detailed down to the dimensions of each panel, the length of the tent poles, and the color and materials which were to be used. The number and shape of the knobs that secured the poles was prescribed, and every table, candlestick and container used was made according to God’s plan.
Within the tabernacle the high priests offered gifts and sacrifices. These were the flesh and blood of bulls and rams and lambs and doves as directed on Mt. Sinai when the law was given. Every blood sacrifice was made along with a prescribed offering of libation (wine), and an offering of grain or bread. These were the personal elements which were included in along with the blood of the slain sacrifice.
The priests caught the blood from sacrifices in a basin. It was sprinkled on the altar and placed on the doorposts. At the giving of the law (Exodus 24:8) the blood of the sacrifices was sprinkled on the people as well as on the altar, and thus the people were consecrated to God.
The shedding of Jesus Christ’s blood on the cross was an essential factor in order for us to receive forgiveness for our sins and acceptance into the presence of God. The blood represents the very life. Sin demands the death penalty (Ezekiel 18:4). Jesus shed His Blood and poured out His life—instead of us—so that by receiving through faith what He did in our place, we are set free from the judgment we deserve.
Lesson Questions:
- Where is the essence of all life? Leviticus 17:11.
- How does the blood satisfy God’s requirements? Exodus 12:3; Hebrews 9:7-12; Romans 5:8-9; Ephesians 1:7.
- In what ways does the blood satisfy our human needs? Hebrews 9:14; 13:12; 10:14, 19-22; Colossians 1:20-21.
- How does the blood destroy Satan’s strategy? Romans 8:31-34; Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Timothy 2:6.
- What has the blood of Christ bought us? Colossians 1:20; 1 John 1:7.
- How has the blood of Christ affected our relationship with God? Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 10:16; John 6:54; Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 13:12; Hebrews 10:19-22.
- What properties of destruction does the blood of Christ have? Revelation 12:9-11.
- How are we consecrated to God? Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:19, 20; 10:29; 13:20.