Leviticus 5-7 find us reading through many additional instructions regarding sin offerings, guilt offerings, grain offerings and peace offerings. While some of the rules seem to blend together, the purpose of them all is to assure that God’s people receive atonement for their sins by the shedding of blood, and have the opportunity to offer sacrifices to God, because He is worthy of them. Additional instructions involving the priests, and what they may and may not eat of the sacrifices make it clear what their role is. They are also instructed regarding the offering they- Sins that require a sin offering; Guilt offering – unaware Leviticus 6 – Sins requiring a guilt offering; Further instructions for burnt offerings – fire must never go out ; further instructions for grain offerings – never eaten with flour; Instructions for the Ordination offering ; Further instructions for sin offerings – who may eat, what to do with containers; Leviticus 7 Further instructions for the guilt offering – same rules apply for guilt and sin offering; Further rules for the peace offering ; The forbidden blood and fat ; A portion for the priests – breast and right thigh.
As we revisit Mark 12, we’re reminded during Jesus’ last week on earth, He was able to take time to interact with those who would have Him killed–the Jewish religious leaders. He told the Parable of the Tenants, which spoke directly to the intentions of those leaders regarding Jesus. He responded to their tests with amazing wisdom and clarity, whether regarding paying taxes to Caesar our marital status at the resurrection, which commandment is the greatest, or even how the Messiah could be both David’s son and His Lord. While each encounter reminds us how much greater Jesus was than His eventual judges, at the close of the chapter, we find Him pausing to affirm the gift of a poor widow. While her offering was small in quantity, it was all she had. Thus, Jesus told us her gift was the greatest of all. What a vital reminder for us to consider the quality our gifts in Jesus’ name, and not just the quantity.