Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement

Scripture: Leviticus 23:26-32

Leviticus 16:1-34, 17:11

Hebrews 9:11-15

History/Purpose: The holiest day in the Jewish year is spent in fasting, prayer, and confession. This was the one gracious day a year given by God that each individual could receive forgiveness. The high priest entered the holy of holies to make atonement for the nation by sacrificing animals, including two goats. Blood was sprinkled on the Ark for the sins of the people for an entire year. Today for Christians, it is a day to celebrate the opportunity of personal repentance.

Messianic Significance: Christ our Messiah was given as our sacrifice. Jesus has provided our atonement, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23) and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Him. We can use this as a time of self-searching, repentance, and recommitment to God. The goats represent Jews and Gentiles. The holiday also possibly points to the day of the Messiah physically returning to earth, or it is possible that this is a symbol of the Day of Judgment.

Celebration Ideas: One of the customs of Yom Kippur is fasting, which means people do not eat for that day. Maybe as a family you can agree to do this to some degree. It could be as simple as skipping a meal and praying during that time. After the fast is over have a favorite family meal and celebrate the greatness of God’s forgiveness. On the next page is a favorite recipe that many Jewish people partake to break the fast. A common story to read during this time is the book of Jonah, which teaches us about God’s forgiveness. Also read Romans 4:7 and Hebrews 7:27. Rejoice that we no longer have to rely on a priest to go before God, instead we can go directly to Him for forgiveness.