These sacrifices in chapters 1-7 speak of how it is only through the shedding of blood that forgiveness comes. These offerings also all point to Jesus.

The Burnt Offering is unique in that the whole offering is burnt up. This speaks of the total giving of Christ to the Father. In one sense, what Jesus was doing on the cross was not about us, but about Jesus showing His Father His total love and commitment.

In response to the father’s love displayed in Jesus, we need to respond with a total giving of ourselves to the Lord.

The burnt offering has to be without blemish (v3). God’s holiness demands a perfect sacrifice and Jesus alone was this perfect sacrifice.

The laying of their hands on the bull or ram meant that they were placing their sin on the animal and trusting in its sacrifice for forgiveness.

Likewise we have to place our hands on Christ and trust in Him fully for the cleansing of our sin. In Christ alone our hope must be found.