A Reflection on Numbers 28 and Hebrews 10:14
The Daily Sacrifices in Numbers 28
Numbers 28 outlines the meticulous offerings that the Israelites were to present to God daily, weekly, and during sacred festivals. These offerings ensured that Israel remained in a constant state of worship and atonement before the Lord.
Each day, two lambs were sacrificed—one in the morning and one in the evening—accompanied by a grain offering and a drink offering. The unceasing rhythm of these sacrifices symbolized the perpetual need for atonement and communion with God.
These offerings were not optional; they were commanded by God as a pleasing aroma before Him (Numbers 28:2). This unbroken cycle of sacrifice pointed to a deeper spiritual truth: humanity’s unending need for atonement and a mediator before God.
But no matter how many lambs were offered, the sins of the people could never be fully removed. The daily sacrifices were merely a shadow of something greater—someone greater.
Jesus: The Perfect and Eternal Sacrifice
The book of Hebrews sheds divine light on the purpose of these offerings. Hebrews 10:14 declares:
“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified.”
Jesus is the fulfillment of the daily sacrifices. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Unlike the continual sacrifices of the Old Covenant, which could never fully cleanse sin, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all—perfect, complete, and eternal.
Just as the morning and evening sacrifices ensured that Israel remained in God’s favor, Jesus’ finished work on the cross ensures that believers remain covered in His righteousness. He is our perpetual offering before the Father, interceding for us at all times (Hebrews 7:25).
The Unceasing Offering of Christ
- Jesus is the Lamb of the Morning and Evening
- In the morning, we remember that Christ rose from the dead, securing our justification.
- In the evening, we rest in His completed work, knowing that His sacrifice has covered our sins.
- Jesus is the Grain Offering
- The grain offering (Numbers 28:5) symbolized sustenance and devotion. Jesus is the Bread of Life, sustaining us daily (John 6:35).
- Jesus is the Drink Offering
- The drink offering (Numbers 28:7) was poured out before the Lord. Jesus poured out His blood for us, sealing the New Covenant (Luke 22:20).
How We Respond to Jesus’ Perfect Offering
Since Jesus is the fulfillment of the daily sacrifices, how should we respond?
- Daily Fellowship with Christ
- Just as the sacrifices were daily, we are called to seek Jesus daily—through prayer, worship, and the Word.
- Presenting Our Lives as Living Sacrifices (Romans 12:1)
- Though Christ has fulfilled the sacrificial system, we respond by offering our lives in devotion to Him.
- Confidence in His Finished Work
- Unlike the priests of the Old Covenant, we no longer offer sacrifices for sin. Jesus’ work is complete, and we can approach God with boldness (Hebrews 10:19).
Conclusion: The Eternal Pleasing Aroma
The sacrifices of Numbers 28 were a temporary measure, pointing to an eternal reality. Jesus is the fulfillment of every morning and evening offering. His sacrifice is the perfect and unceasing aroma before the Father, ensuring our acceptance and sanctification.
As we reflect on Jesus as our daily and perfect offering, let us abide in Him continually, resting in the sufficiency of His sacrifice and living in response to His boundless grace.
