He didn’t stay dead . . .

Leviticus 1; Proverbs 17; John 20; Philippians 4

Leviticus isn’t known for being an exciting read, but the typology in it is fascinating. Typology is a literary device or figure of speech in which a something in the Old Testament is understood to correspond with a something in the New Testament. In most cases, the OT type points to Jesus Christ.

For instance, the burnt offering description says that the one who offered it must “lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.” (Leviticus 1:4)

The word translated “to lay his hand on” means “resting or supporting oneself” on the animal. Through this act the worshiper identified himself with the animal as his substitute. In the NT, those who believe in Jesus Christ identify with His death and declare that they are totally resting their life on Him.

“Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” (Romans 6:8)

The burnt offering is repeatedly said in Leviticus to be “a pleasing aroma to the Lord” which is an anthropomorphic expression or figure of speech attributing human attributes to God. This expression indicates the Lord’s approval and acceptance of the completed sacrifice. In the NT, it says . . .

“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)

As I was reading about the killing of lambs etc. I thought how shocked those OT people would have been had the animal on the altar returned to life. I remember my dad reluctantly disposing of a large dog because it was chasing the neighbor’s cows. He shot it between the eyes out in the trees. Two weeks later, that dog walked into the yard. What a stir that created! Most people would not have believed it.

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19–20)

However, Thomas was not there and he didn’t believe it happened. He had to see it for himself . . .

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:26–29)

Jesus, not a tough dog but the Lamb of God and a vulnerable and willing sacrifice, did many other signs in the presence of the disciples which John did not write in his gospel, but he said, “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30–31)

Types don’t work backwards. We read them that way now after easily being able to see the fulfillment they pointed toward, but those slain animals could not save anyone offering them. They stayed dead, yet had a purpose . . .

“But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:3–4)

Instead, the NT says that by the will of God, “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10) Jesus is the better sacrifice, the One needed to resolve the sin problem.

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. (Hebrews 10:16–18)

APPLY: Today, the OT points me again to Jesus who died for my sin — but He did not stay dead. He is no longer on the cross and He did not die so I could earn my salvation (like one cult believes). He died and rose. He is alive and He lives in me. He gives me His incredible peace and joy — and I can experience both even as the world news threatens. Because His offering was accepted, I am also accepted and death cannot rob me of His abundant life here — or His eternal life beyond this life.