We depend on Jesus’s sacrifice to enter God’s holy presence.

SCRIPTURE | Leviticus 16:1-6,15-22

CENTRAL TRUTH

Israel’s forgiveness would only be temporary. They’d have to make these sacrifices faithfully each year because the blood of animals could never purchase the permanent forgiveness of sin (Heb. 10:4). But our forgiveness is so permanent, so complete, we never have to worry about it expiring. The debt we owe has been paid forever!

Key question

How is the forgiveness believers receive from Christ better than the forgiveness offered in this passage?

Keep in Mind

Some students may struggle with the idea of animal sacrifice. They may ask, “Why all the blood?” Here’s a simple answer: because of all the sin. Scripture explains that there can’t be forgiveness of sin without the shedding of blood (Heb. 9:22). Why? Blood is the source of life (Lev. 17:11). It satisfies the payment of death. Imagine the thousands of years in which animal sacrifice took place and all of the blood that was spilled. Yet it could never be enough to permanently pay the price of sin. This should be an alarming realization. But what’s more shocking is that it was because of human sin. What’s most shocking is that Jesus voluntarily shed His blood for our redemption.

APPLICATION

How do verses 1-2 challenge the way you approach God’s presence? How can we find a balance between enjoying access to God while maintaining reverence for Him?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: We can only approach God because His Son came here in human likeness and took our sin on His shoulders. We can be near Him because He came near to us in the most miraculous way: Jesus. When students remember this, they are filled with gratitude and praise for what God sacrificed so that they could be forgiven. 

FOR THE LEADER: As leaders, we may experience apathy sometimes. When we feel ourselves slipping into apathy concerning the ease with which we can meet with God, we can center ourselves on Jesus’s sacrifice—His love poured out for us. We can ask God to renew a heart of gratitude and a sense of awe at what Christ did to pay for our sin.