The animal that was offered for sacrifice was meant to be without a spot or blemish. It was to be of one colour that’s not embellished with spots. It also could not have any physical defects. In other words, the lamb for sacrifice was to be ‘perfect’. Thus, before accepting it and proceeding to sacrifice it, the priests would thoroughly examine each animal that was presented for sacrifice. Only when it passed the test was it offered to God. Thus, a perfect innocent lamb would be offered to atone, albeit temporarily, for the sin of the one offering it.

This whole concept of a spotless lamb was, of course, a shadow of Christ. He is the perfect lamb of God that would be offered for the sins of many. Peter describes our redemption this way:

Just as each lamb that was sacrificed was examined to ascertain that it was without blemish or spot, so Jesus was also examined. The high priest and his operatives tried to find a legitimate reason to accuse him but could not find it. In the end, they had to fabricate a story. Pilate also examined Jesus only to declare in the end, “I have found in Him no guilt deserving of death.” (Luke 23:22). Jesus was found to be without any guilt warranting death, yet they still went ahead and put Him to death. The perfect lamb was sacrificed for the sake of those who were imperfect. The one who was not guilty died in the place of those who deserved to die. Let us then behold Him this week, the precious and perfect lamb of God offered for us. Let us marvel at how great a love would lead to this kind of sacrifice. As the song writer says:

1. What is the best response to the perfect Saviour who gave Himself for you?