We who love God still sin unintentionally. We are sinners and need our sins forgiven (vv. 1,2). The sin offering provided a way for forgiveness. It addressed every Israelite, starting with the priest, then elders and leaders, and lastly, the lay people.

If a priest sinned, he had to offer a young bull, a large sacrifice signifying that he was held to greater accountability. The priest also put his hand on the offering’s head, identifying with the sacrifice. Because sin offends God, the curtain of his presence had to be covered with blood. Because sin also affects our prayers, the altar of incense was also covered with blood. Lastly, because sin requires atonement, the altar for burnt offerings was covered with blood. The fat was burnt and offered entirely to God. The useless parts were burnt outside the camp, representing the removal of selfishness which leads to sin.

The sin offering for the community was similar. Sin offerings for leaders and lay members were lesser in value, and they were less ritually demanding. Forgiveness is necessary for justice and healing in the community. Ultimately, only Jesus the Lamb of God takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29). We all need his forgiveness.
Application: Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. I need Jesus’ forgiveness every day.
One Word: An offering for the forgiveness of sin