Ceremonial Death

He may not eat an animal that has died a natural death or has been torn apart by wild animals, for this would defile him. I am the LORD. [Leviticus 22.8]

Ever wonder why the priest could not eat an animal that died naturally (including being killed by wild animals)?

Here is a thought. There is death, and in contrast, there is a ceremony of death. There is very much a difference...

The sacrifices the priests offered involved ceremonial death. It was not natural, but happened on, and with, purpose. It was necessary to be effective.

Consider this ceremonial death:

“The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” [John 10.17-18]

And then, consider this:

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. [John 15.13]

This too applies to ceremonial death.

Ever wonder why Jesus willingly accepted being taken into custody by the Roman soldiers? Well, wonder no more! His death could necessarily NOT be murder or natural in any way - it could not be out of his control. Jesus' death had to be on, and with, a specific purpose - the salvation of the world.

No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” [John 10.18]

The freedom (albeit temporal) secured and maintained by the blood of patriots to said freedom (as in US history) is also an example of ceremonial death. 

How much more significant is the blood of Jesus?

This is a deep subject and worthy of great attention by anyone who would be a follower of Christ.

Father, thank You for providing an Old Testament 'backdrop' for the death of Jesus so that we would know that His death was no mistake or accident!