Laying on of Hands

Leviticus 1-3; Acts 13 

“’If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer a male without defect…He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him…If someone’s offering is a fellowship [peace] offering…He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting...’”

Leviticus 1:3, 4; 3:1, 2

Why did God require the person bringing his offering to lay his hand on the head of the animal?

According to the writer of Hebrews, this principle of “laying on of hands” is a foundational teaching to be in the life of every follower of Christ (Hebrews 6:2). There was transference of the worshiper’s sins to the sacrificial animal in the laying on of hands. Jesus, our Passover lamb, had the sin of the world laid on his head as he hung on the cross. We have peace with God, only through the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. This principle of transference also applies to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the commissioned work of the Church (2 Timothy 1:6; Acts 13:3). We extend, or pass on, the ministry and authority of the Lord through the laying on of hands for those set apart for God’s work. This is not to be taken lightly.

Are we practicing this principle of laying on of hands?

“Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice for me, for your glory.”