Seminary
Lesson 54: Leviticus, Part 2—Sacrificing for the Lord

“Lesson 54: Leviticus, Part 2—Sacrificing for the Lord,” Old Testament Seminary Student Manual (2026)

Tucson Arizona Temple youth ordinance work

Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19: Lesson 54

Leviticus, Part 2

Sacrificing for the Lord

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Ancient Israel performed rituals that symbolized Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Among these rituals was the sacrifice of burnt offerings. These offerings also demonstrated Israel’s continuous commitment to sacrifice anything the Lord asked of them. This lesson can help you recognize sacrifices you can make to become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Study the Scriptures

What are three items in your life that you truly value or treasure? Can you think of a situation where you might be willing to give them up?

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

14:15
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

To sacrifice means to give something up in favor of something more valuable. Anciently, God’s people sacrificed the firstlings of their flocks in honor of the coming Messiah. Throughout history, faithful Saints have sacrificed personal desires, comforts, and even their lives for the Savior.

We all have things, large and small, we need to sacrifice in order to follow Jesus Christ more completely. Our sacrifices show what we truly value. Sacrifices are sacred and honored by the Lord. (“Our Heartfelt All,” Liahona, May 2022, 124)

Consider offering a silent prayer. Ask Heavenly Father to help you understand what He would have you know and do regarding your personal sacrifices.

Burnt offerings

In Leviticus 1, the Lord instructed the Israelites to make burnt offerings. Priests made these offerings daily. The offerings were symbolic of the Savior’s Atonement. These offerings were also a sign of Israel’s continuous commitment to the Lord.

mark iconRead Leviticus 1:3, 8–9. Look for words and phrases that could relate to sacrifices we might make for the Lord today. Be sure to mark the phrase “He shall offer it of his own voluntary will.” What truth can you learn about sacrifice from this phrase?

note iconNext to the following phrases in Leviticus 1:8–9, make notes with some of the possible symbolic meanings.

“Head,” “fat,” “inwards,” and “legs” (verses 8–9)

Different animal parts could symbolize offering the Lord anything He asks, including our hearts, minds, and bodies.

“Burn all on the altar” (verse 9)

Burning the whole animal on the altar could represent total commitment to the Lord.

“Sweet savour unto the Lord” (verse 9)

This can mean that our sacrifices are sweet and pleasing to Heavenly Father and the Savior.

Living the law of sacrifice in our time

animal sacrifice and the Crucifixion

After the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was completed, He adjusted the type of sacrifice He asked His people to make (see 3 Nephi 9:19–20). Though we currently do not sacrifice animals, the Lord still asks His people to make sacrifices.

Sister Tracy Y. Browning, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, taught:

Sister Browning

When we bring our offering to the Savior, we are being invited to see more of Jesus Christ in our lives, as we humbly submit our will to Him in recognition and understanding of His perfect submission to the will of the Father. (“Seeing More of Jesus Christ in Our Lives,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 14)

mark iconStudy two or more of the following passages. Mark what these verses suggest we can offer as a sacrifice for the Lord.

notebook iconRespond to one or more of the following questions in your notebook:

  • How could sacrificing in these ways help us become more like the Savior?

  • Why might it sometimes be difficult to sacrifice what the Lord asks of us?

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

What are some sacrifices I can make?

Study two or more of the following three resources. Be mindful of things the Holy Ghost might be inspiring you to sacrifice.

  1. 1 Kings 17:8–16 (The widow of Zarephath)

  2. “Overcoming Challenges” (5:02)

    5:2

  3. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Elder Neal A. Maxwell

The real act of personal sacrifice is not now nor ever has been placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal that is in us upon the altar—then willingly watching it be consumed! Such is the “sacrifice unto [the Lord of] a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:20). (Meek and Lowly [1987], 94)

note iconComplete two or more of the following statements in your notebook:

  • One sacrifice I am already making for Heavenly Father is …

  • One thing I will start or stop doing to show my willingness to sacrifice for the Lord is …

  • Something I learned today that will help me make this change is …

Option B:

How can I increase my willingness to sacrifice?

Study one or more of the following three resources. Look for insights that help you be willing to sacrifice anything the Lord asks of you.

  1. Mark 12:41–44 (The widow’s mite)

  2. Alma 22:13–19, 22–23 (A Lamanite king)

  3. “Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story” (8:16–18:43)

    20:32

notebook iconIn your notebook, record three insights you had, two questions you have, and one way you might sacrifice to become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you recognize sacrifices you can make to become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • Your testimony of the importance of sacrifice.

  • One of your insights or questions or one way you might sacrifice to become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?