This is part 1 of 4, in The City Church's journey through Leviticus.

• See part 2 here (ch.8-10)
• See part 3 here (ch.11-16) 
• See part 4 here (ch.17-27)
  

>> DOWNLOAD THE LEVITICUS INTRODUCTION

>> DOWNLOAD THE DISCUSSION GUIDE (CH. 1-7)

>> SEE GATHERING TIMES/LOCATIONS

If Leviticus foreshadows the basis of our lives, the starting point of that foreshadowing must be the starting point of the gospel: Jesus, our sacrifice. The apostle Paul explains this starting point: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…” (1Cor 15:3-4). Later, Paul exhorts followers of Jesus to remain “stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel you have heard” (Col 1:23).

Do you get these verses’ – and the New Testament’s – message? God the Father’s work through God the Son – Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection – is the foundation of our faith, which we can never leave behind. It’s the starting point for our motives, from which we can never move. It’s the basis of our life and actions, which we can never forget. Without Jesus, nothing else in life and faith matters.

These first six weeks in Leviticus comprise the first of four “collections” of Leviticus discussions in the coming year. This first collection starts with livestock and ends with Jesus. Based on the sacrifices God required of his Old Covenant people, these six weeks look at Jesus’ work from different angles, going deeper into the amazing, practical truth of the gospel. The experience will be like looking at a diamond from different angles: you already know it’s stunning, but as you turn it, you notice different ways light is reflected; different colors shine vibrantly; different shapes become clear. And it gives you a deeper, better appreciation and awe for the beautiful gem that you hold.

The same is true of Jesus’ sacrifice: many of us know that Jesus died for our sins, and even called us to live our lives based on that truth. But do you know everything that happened on the cross? Do you know the full meaning of his resurrection? Do you know how every nuance plays out in your life, every day? As you dwell deeply on different truths of what Jesus accomplished in the greatest sacrifice ever known, you’ll see the sufficiency of Jesus applied to our real-life challenges. You’ll understand more deeply what his death and resurrection mean to you. You’ll be encouraged, comforted, instructed, challenged, and perhaps even angry. But as you start Leviticus, you find practical, powerful hope – not in bulls, birds, or goats, but in Jesus alone, our true and final sacrifice.