The question came up in Sunday School concerning how Jews handle the lack of animal sacrifices in post Temple destruction times, since unlike Christians they don’t believe Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice on the cross and no further sacrifices are necessary. Rusty answered the question nicely, but I came home and had to dig a little deeper, and here is a quick recap of my findings.
The earliest record of a sacrifice to God was by Cain and Abel. Many sacrifices for many reasons followed, and altars were built in many locations throughout the early years. However, with the Torah, new laws were established and it was no longer acceptable to build altars anywhere desired and by anyone that wants (Deuteronomy 12:4-14). Offerings could, at first, be brought to the Tabernacle, a mobile Sanctuary, but this was only considered temporary. Once King Solomon built the Holy Temple, all sacrifices had to be brought there.
Then this first Holy Temple was destroyed and there was no longer a place to offer sacrifices. God, through Hosea, told the Israelites to atone for their sins through prayer, asking for forgiveness and offering praise with their lips (Hosea 14:2). Similar instructions were given in Proverbs 28:13. So, the Israelites were given a way to be forgiven through confession and prayer, when it was impossible to offer sacrifices at the Temple. But, remember, when there is a place to do so, sacrifices must be offered.
The Holy Temple was rebuilt and for another 420 years sacrifices were able and required to take place at this new Holy Temple. Then in AD 70 the Temple was once again destroyed, making the offering of sacrifices impossible. However, Malachi 3:1-4 prophesies that the Temple will be rebuilt yet again when the Messiah comes, and the offering of sacrifices will start up again.
To summarize: The Jews are okay with not offering sacrifices because the Torah forbids the offering of sacrifices anywhere but at the Holy Temple. Since there is at this time no Holy Temple there can be no sacrifices, and God made provisions for forgiveness through confession and prayer. When the Holy Temple is rebuilt the Jews are once again required to offer sacrifices.
2 thoughts on “Jewish Sacrifice Beliefs”
The Jews are required to believe in the sacrifice of their Messiah, Jesus, just as everyone else. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac is a foreshadowing of saving belief (Heb 11:17-19; Gal 3:6). The Gospel was to the Jew first, and then the gentile (Rom 1:16). The letter to the Hebrews instructs that Jesus’ sacrifice was made once for all (7:27; 9:19-26). To sacrifice bulls and goats after the Resurrection is an abomination to the Father (Heb 10:4-6).
I would be happy to discuss this further with you.
Anne Hamilton, Pe Ell
I agree with you, however, this article was stating what Jews believe. And since they don’t believe Jesus is the Messiah, they also don’t believe the Gospel.