Introduction:

It should be understood that God selected certain animals to qualify as sacrificial creatures for more than obvious reasons. Each one of these animals typify something about Christ or His sacrifice.

 

I. THE OX-LIKE CHRIST WAS "OBEDIENT UNTO DEATH"

A. THE OX IS A DELIBERATE, PLODDING, PATIENT ANIMAL

B. CHRIST BOWED HIS BACK, GRITTED HIS TEETH AND BECAME "OBEDIENT UNTO DEATH."

[1]. Though beaten beyond recognition. (Isa. 52:13-15)
[2]. He humbled himself, as an ox. (Phil. 2:5-8)

 

II. THE SHEEP-LIKE CHRIST WAS SACRIFICED WITHOUT RESISTANCE

A. THE SHEEP IS A PASSIVE ANIMAL

[1]. Will make no defense against predators.

B. CRUST OFFERED NO RESISTANCE

[1]. When taken, when beaten, spat upon, when smote, when crowned with thorns, when forced to bear his own cross. (Isa. 50:6- Isa. 53:7; Matt. 26:67-68; Matt. 27:27-30)

C. AN INTERESTING NOTE:

[1]. Often a camouflage coat saves a life. Finding a dead lamb, a herder removes it from the mother and quickly skins it. Then he fits the pelt like a dog sweater onto an orphaned lamb and nestles the foundling at the side of the ewe that has lost her offspring. She usually accepts the substitute as her own because it carries the smell of her dead baby.

 

III. THE GOAT-LIKE CHRIST WAS "NUMBERED WITH THE TRANSGRESSOR."

A. THE GOAT IS NOTED FOR REBELLION AGAINST AUTHORITY

[1]. It is his nature to "butt."
[2]. The goat is typical of sinners.

B. CHRIST WAS NOT A SINNER, BUT WAS NUMBERED AMONG THEM

[1]. Was crucified between two thieves.
[2]. Was made "sin and a curse." (Gal. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:21)

C. A DESTRUCTIVE ANIMAL

In their eating habits goats are often very destructive and in some countries have an unenviable reputation.

According to Karl Vogt, the famous Swiss naturalist, the goat does more harm in the forests than any other animal. "The old seats of civilization, namely, the countries round the Mediterranean, owe the destruction of their forests, the nakedness of their mountains, and the inevitable consequence of that condition, the dryness of the climate, to the devastation of these animals." It is inadvisable, there, to permit goats to run at large where any valuable green things are growing. They well eat even the bark of trees, as well as long-tended hedges and gardens. Leave things to man and given enough time he will destroy everything in sight.

 

IV. THE DOVE-LIKE CHRIST BECAME "POOR FOR OUR SAKE."

A. THE DOVE WAS OFFERED BY THOSE TOO POOR TO HAVE A LAMB

[1]. A sacrifice in the reach of all. (Lev. 5:7)

B. MUST WHO WAS RICH, BECAME POOR TO BECOME THE SACRIFICE FOR THE POOR

[1]. The poor lost, hell-bound sinner. (2 Cor. 8:9)

C. AN INTERESTING NOTE:

[1]. According to the Book of Popular Science, Vol. 6, 1967 - "For all practical purposes, the terms "pigeon" and "dove" can be used interchangeably; however, the name "dove" is more properly applied to the smaller species of the family. Pigeons and doves have small heads and are decidedly plump and full-breasted. Their feet are so adapted that they can live with equal facility on the ground or in the trees. Their bills are horny at the tip and have a swelling, called the cere, at the base; the powerful sings are pointed. The notes of most wild pigeons and doves are soft, cooing sounds." - According to (Lev. 17) a dove or pigeon was acceptable.
[2]. Mourning dove's nests are always frail and flimsy hardly more than a few slender sticks and twigs thrown together. They are usually built in trees, but sometimes in bushes or vines. In treeless country, they are often built on the ground. Doves are very poor nest builders at best, so it is not surprising to find an occasional bird that would rather use a nest abandoned by a brown thrasher, robin, or green heron than build a new one. (Matt. 8:20)

 

V. CHRIST, LIKE THESE CREATURES, MUST BE APPROPRIATED BY THE SINNER

A. THE SINNER HAD TO MAKE A VOLUNTARY OFFERING (Lev. 1:3)

[1]. God would not save them, he will not save today, against your will.

B. THE OFFERING MUST BE MADE IN FAITH

[1]. Can never please God without faith
[2]. The Jew signified faith by placing his hand upon the head of his burnt offering.
[3]. You signify your faith by public profession.