Sacrifice

Today's reading: Hebrews 7-8

Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. Hebrews 7:27 NRSV

The Jewish faith outlined the process of atoning for sin through sacrifice of animals. This applied to the people and the priests. This was also a daily, weekly, yearly process. There was no once-and-for-all sacrifice.

How different this was from other cultures around them when sacrifice was often human and in order to appease a god's anger or to get what you wanted! This sacrifice was to receive absolution for sins committed against God and others. But the sacrifice was cyclical or seasonal in nature which emphasized the sinfulness of God's people.

Then along comes Jesus, who was not of the priestly class/ the tribe of Levi/a descendant of Aaron. Jesus breaks this whole chain of sacrifice and intermediary. In addition, Jesus had no sin to atone for; his death was for other sinners, not his own sin.

Jesus did it once for all for all of us. May we live as forgiven people.

God, thank you for Jesus' sacrifice for my sins. I am so glad that he does not continue to have to die on the cross for my mistakes. Help me to live as a forgiven person and not wallow in or repeat my sins. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims