Have you ever wondered why ancient people made animal sacrifices and how that relates to what Christians do today? Let’s explore the fascinating story behind animal sacrifices and how they lead to understanding the Lord’s Supper.
What Were Animal Sacrifices?
Animal sacrifices were profoundly significant in the Old Testament, especially during Passover. These sacrifices weren’t just about giving up animals; they represented something much deeper. The Passover lamb, for example, symbolised a special promise: a future sacrifice that would save everyone. This ultimate sacrifice was Jesus, often called the Lamb of God.
In Exodus 12:5 (NLT), God commanded, “The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects.” This seemingly perfect lamb symbolised Jesus, who was perfect and sinless. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites in Egypt, Jesus’ sacrifice protects us from sin.
Why Are Animal Sacrifices Important?
Animal sacrifices in the Old Testament help us understand the serious nature of sin and the need for forgiveness. The Passover lamb had to be perfect, just as Jesus was without sin. 1 Peter 1:19 (NLT) says, “It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” The lamb’s blood saved the Israelites, and Jesus’ blood saves us today.
This connection between the old animal sacrifices and Jesus’ sacrifice is what we remember during the Lord’s Supper—a symbolic act we continue in remembrance of Passover. Jesus gave His disciples bread and wine, saying these were symbols of His body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins. The Lord’s Supper is a profound and spiritually enriching time for Christians to remember and be thankful for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.
The Importance of The Lord’s Supper
In Matthew 26:26-28 (NLT), Jesus said, “Take, eat; this is my body. And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, ‘Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.'”
Participating in the Lord’s Supper is a way to remember Jesus’ love and sacrifice. It’s a time to reflect on how much He has done for us and renew our commitment to follow Him. Understanding the significance of animal sacrifices and how they point to Jesus helps deepen our faith and personal understanding of God.
Learning More About The Lord’s Supper
We warmly invite you to join us on this spiritual journey. Contact Bunbury Seventh-day Adventist Church to learn more about our online and in-person Bible studies and how you can join us in remembering the significance of animal sacrifices and celebrating The Lord’s Supper. Remember, The Lord’s Supper is a beautiful and profound reminder of God’s love and sacrifice. Don’t miss out on this special experience – take the first step today by reaching out and starting your Bible study journey. Understanding animal sacrifices and The Lord’s Supper allows us to grow in our faith and learn to love and serve one another, just as Jesus did.
