Leviticus
January 21, 2026
Brett Cooper
Discover the depth, meaning, and beauty of the book of Leviticus in this powerful Bible study, The Lord Makes a Way for People to Live in His Presence. Far from being a confusing or outdated book, Leviticus reveals God’s heart for restoration, holiness, and relationship. This study walks you through how God lovingly made a way for His people to dwell in His presence, and how that same heart is fulfilled today through Jesus Christ. Together, we will explore the eight appointed times of worship and the five offerings found in Leviticus, uncovering how these ancient practices echo into our New Testament faith. From Sabbath rest to Passover, from sacrifice to celebration, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of worship, purity, provision, and grace. Each session connects Old Testament truth with New Testament fulfillment, helping you see Jesus woven through every page. This study is for anyone who desires a deeper walk with God and a greater appreciation for what Christ has done on our behalf. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this journey through Leviticus will strengthen your faith, renew your worship, and remind you that God has always made a way for His people to live in His presence.
Episode Notes
The Lord Makes a Way for People to Live in His Presence
Overview
When reading the book of Leviticus, it is important to understand that the children of Israel were often longing to return to Egypt. This longing represents a person’s desire to return to sin. Despite these sinful desires and actions, the Lord made a way for His people to repent and live in His holy presence.
Today, the Lord makes a way for us to do the same through His eternal Son, Jesus Christ.
Leviticus describes a system that teaches how people could come into the presence of the Lord through proper practice, priesthood, and purity. It speaks extensively about regular acts of worship, outlining how God’s people were to live in His presence. In many ways, Leviticus functions as a worship manual.
The book specifically describes how priests were to operate and teaches how God’s people were to remain pure. These are still goals of the modern church today. We no longer practice these things in the same way because Jesus has fulfilled them through the sacrifice of His life. In Christ, we practice worship, we are made priests, and we are made pure.
Eight Important Times in the Book of Leviticus
Worshipping God includes giving Him our time. These eight appointed times from the Old Testament continue to echo powerfully into our New Testament lives.
1. The Sabbath
In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was observed every Saturday and is still practiced that way in modern-day Israel. From sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, everything shuts down for rest.
So how does this apply to New Testament believers? The Sabbath was created for man, not for God. It reminds us that resting in the Lord is good and necessary. Ultimately, Jesus is our Sabbath rest—but that truth should never excuse a cortisol- and adrenaline-addicted workaholic lifestyle. Times of rest in the Lord are a blessing.
2. Passover
Passover commemorates Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery, when the angel of death passed over homes marked with blood. As New Testament believers, we understand that death passes over us because of the blood of Jesus covering our lives. Communion reminds us that His blood covers our sins.
3. Feast of Unleavened Bread
Following Passover, this seven-day feast required eating only unleavened bread. In Matthew 16:6, Jesus warns His disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees. Leaven represents pride and corruption—it puffs things up. We are reminded not to be filled with pride, but with the Holy Spirit. Eating unleavened bread is a physical expression of a spiritual reality.
4. Feast of Firstfruits
This feast was a time for the Israelites to give their first and best to the Lord. It echoes the story of Cain and Abel and reminds us that God is pleased with our first and best. New Testament believers still practice this principle, especially in our finances. We are not to give out of excess, but out of honor. A wealthy person giving a large amount may sacrifice less than someone giving a small amount in faith.
5. Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
This feast occurs 50 days after Passover. Because Jesus died on Passover, Pentecost is now closely associated with Easter. Originally, this feast commemorated the giving of the Law. Today, we celebrate the giving of grace, mercy, and the Holy Spirit, who fills every believer.
6. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)
This feast marks the Jewish New Year and was celebrated with the blowing of trumpets. Today, we remember the coming of our Lord and celebrate Him through worship and music.
7. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
This was the most solemn day, when blood sacrifices were made to cover sin. As New Testament believers, we recognize that the blood of Jesus has fully covered our sins, and we continually celebrate that truth.
8. Feast of Tabernacles (Booths)
This seven-day feast remembers God’s provision in the wilderness. The people lived in temporary shelters to recall how God provided manna in the desert. Today, we acknowledge that all provision comes from the Lord.
The Five Offerings in Leviticus
1. Burnt Offering (Leviticus 1)
A male bull, ram, or lamb without blemish was completely burned on the altar, representing total commitment to God and resulting in atonement for sin.
2. Grain Offering (Leviticus 2)
This bread offering expressed thanksgiving for God’s provision. Jesus is our provider, and the principle of giving to the Lord and receiving from Him remains strong today.
3. Peace Offering (Leviticus 3)
This offering involved sharing a meal with the priests and the Lord. As New Testament believers, we are called to share what we have. We are not hoarders; we are sharers.
4. Sin Offering (Leviticus 4)
This offering addressed unintentional sins and reminded everyone—regardless of status—that all fall short of God’s perfect standard. Jesus fulfilled this sacrifice, freeing us from guilt and shame.
5. Guilt (Trespass) Offering (Leviticus 5:14–6:7)
This offering dealt with specific, intentional sins. Restoration required sacrifice and repentance. Today, Jesus is our sacrifice, and when we seek restoration with a pure heart, we are receiving what His sacrifice has already accomplished.
Conclusion
Studying the book of Leviticus is a choice to understand an ancient worship manual. Through it, we gain a deeper understanding of what Jesus has done for us—reconnecting us with God the Father and making a way for us to live in His presence.
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