Our Old Testament reading takes us to the book of Leviticus, which is the third book of Moses. This book outlines the laws, regulations, and sacrifices the Levites were to undertake on behalf of the Israelites to make them holy and set apart for God. In Leviticus, we learn that “without the shedding of blood, there is no purification from sin” (Leviticus 17:11) which foreshadows the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of the sins of the whole world.
In Matthew 26:14-35, we witness the events leading to Jesus’s crucifixion as Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Additionally, Jesus predicts Peter’s denial.
Both passages encourage us to reflect on the cost of Jesus’ sacrifice and the nature of our relationship with God. Jesus’ sacrifice fulfils the purpose of the Old Testament offerings, bringing reconciliation and eternal peace between God and humanity (Hebrews 10:10-12).
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for paying the ultimate sacrifice for my sins thus giving me access to God.
Today’s reading
Leviticus 1-3
The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting. He said,
2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When anyone among you brings an offering to the Lord, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock.
3 “‘If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord.
Matthew 26:14-35
14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests
15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.
16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.