Leviticus 5:1-13
Vv. 1-4 give us several examples of faults which had to be atoned for by sacrifice. It is a question of actions the seriousness of which we should perhaps not have realised, if the Word, the divine touchstone of our conscience, had not condemned them: failure to give evidence, having a passing contact with something that is unclean, uttering frivolous words. One can be guilty in keeping silence (v. 1) or on the contrary in saying too much (v. 4). In all these cases confession was required (v. 5) followed by sacrifice (v. 6). Such is still the way which 1 John 1:9 lays on the believer who has failed, with the difference that the sacrifice has not to be offered a second time. The blood of Jesus Christ is already shed for us before God, so that confession alone is now sufficient; God is then "faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". Vv. 7 to 13 take account of the difference in resources of those who brought their offerings. One offered a lamb, another two turtle-doves and the third only a handful of flour. We are not all capable of appreciating to the same extent the work of Jesus. But what counts is the true value it has for God.