In the time that Hebrews was written animal sacrifices were the norm. They were done to remind people of their sins but did not take the sin away. So, the people had to return periodically with more animals to sacrifice. It was a never-ending cycle. As long as one lived, one had to continue sacrificing for one’s sins.

Christ came to abolish animal sacrifices and to be the ultimate sacrifice for all our sins. Today we do not have to sacrifice to make atonement for our sins. Many times we are unable to accept this fact. We feel guilty for what we have done and are unable to free ourselves from the bondage of our wrongs. We often continue in the actions that are of no use to us because we do not know what else to do. We are unable to understand why anyone would be willing to atone for our multitude of sins. And yet, as stewards, we do believe the good news—Jesus Christ has sacrificed himself for our sins. May we share that news with others who live in bondage and call them to freedom.

—George and Linda Howton

• What does sacrifice mean, then and now? What may have caused these similarities and differences?
• Why were animal sacrifices done in the time of the writing of Hebrews? Why was it easier to continue with the animal sacrifices? What might be comparable in our world today?
• How do we sacrifice for others?

How Do I Act?

1. Think about guilt and conscience in our time. There are people suffering from guilt all around us. Pray for these people, asking God to give them a sense of relief.
2. List positive and negative ways in which we deal with guilt. List actions we may have continued that were useless.
3. Think about what it means for Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice. What are the characteristics Jesus Christ had that made him the perfect sacrifice? Develop a plan for your life that might help you develop or better develop these characteristics in your life.
4. Think about your giving to the church in all areas of your life (money, time, etc.) Is it sacrificial?
5. Commit to giving of yourself and your resources in a sacrificial way. This may be through the church or to your family or in other ways. Ask God to give you the courage to do it as a sacrifice rather than a token.

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