The Bible has a lot to say about animal sacrifice.

What's the deal?

And what does it all mean? Hey, this is Shuri at Bible Project. In today's reflection, we're exploring the biblical theme of

sacrifice and atonement. It's strange and uncomfortable at first, but as we learn more, we

discover just how life-giving and powerful this theme really is.

Listen in.

Hi, this is Carissa, and today I want to invite us to reflect on the theme of

sacrifice and atonement in the Bible.

When you read the Bible, especially the Old Testament, you'll read about animal sacrifice

all over the place.

This is a concept that probably seems odd to most of us and also kind of sad. And that's right,

sacrifice is a sad reality or effect of sin and evil in the world. Animal sacrifice for the

Hebrew people was a way to symbolize in a tangible way the reality and the

devastating consequences or costs of sin.

Evil or sin corrupts the world and all of us in it.

We all knowingly and unknowingly participate in destructive acts that cause pain to ourselves and to others.

And these cost us and others and affect the world around us.

So when the Hebrew people would see an animal die as a sacrifice, to atone for or cover their sin, there was no turning a blind eye to the devastating effects or weight of sin. Offering sacrifices was a way for people

to turn their hearts toward God and offer something of value to restore the relationship.

Animal sacrifice in the Hebrew Bible also symbolized a way to cleanse or purify from the effects of sin.

When someone does something harmful, even when there's restitution or forgiveness, the effects

of that harm can still remain as a residue that's hard to undo.

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