In our world, we often have higher expectations of our leaders than we do with others. Because greater responsibility is given, greater accountability is demanded. But if that is true in general, how much more should that be true of the leaders of God’s holy people. Leviticus 21-22 points us to God’s requirement of holy leaders and perfect offerings, and ultimately to our need for the only true leader that will never fall short.

Introduction: The Higher the Leadership, the Higher the Standard

Context

1-15 The Offerings & Priests

16 The Day of Atonement

17-27 The Holiness Code

1. Mourning and Marriage (21:1-15)

a. For the priests (1-9)

i. Mourning (1-6)

ii. Marriage (7-9)

b. For the high priest (10-15)

i. Mourning (10-12)

ii. Marriage (13-15)

2. Disqualifying Defects for Priests (21:16-24)

3. Eating the Priestly Food (22:1-16)

a. When the priest can’t eat (1-9)

b. Who can eat (10-16)

4. Acceptable Offerings (22:17-33)

Conclusion: What We Learn

a. The Holy God requires a Perfect Priest & Offering: Jesus

b. Christ sanctifies his church to be his holy priests

c. We are to be fully devoted to Christ, even above family

d. Holiness is no longer symbolized by physical perfection