Message: What is the Meaning of the Firstborn?
Text: Deuteronomy 15:19-20
Introduction
Our text for today speaks of sacrificing the firstborn of all animals. This idea of the firstborn is all over the Bible; what does it mean?
The firstborn was part of the tithe
Although the Bible implies God making a sacrifice to clothe Adam and Eve, the first detailed recording of a sacrifice was when Abel brought the firstborn of his flock. The firstborn of all animals was sacrificed to God as part of the tithing of first fruits. This is all over the Mosaic Law and indicates that the firstborn is dedicated to God.
The firstborn belonged to God because of the Passover
This idea was solidified through the Passover. When God delivered Israel from Egypt, He did so through the death of the firstborn. From that point on, God claims the firstborn of Israel as His own. The message is clear, those redeemed by the blood of the lamb belong to God.
The priests were a substitute for the firstborn
Obviously, God forbade the sacrifice of firstborn human beings; only the animals were to be sacrificed. Because the firstborn belonged to God, God accepted the Levites in place of the firstborn. In other words, those who are firstborn are to be set aside to lead the people in the worship of God and teach them His Word.
The firstborn received a double portion of an inheritance
When a father died, his firstborn son received twice the inheritance that the rest of the kids received. This was because the leadership of the family would fall on the firstborn son. He was responsible for providing for his widowed mother, taking care of all widows and fatherless within the family, and leading the whole family. The extra inheritance was not for him; it was provided so that he would have the means to care for everyone else.
The firstborn sacrifice had to be without blemish
The firstborn sacrifice could only take place if the animal was without blemish. In the same way, the blessing of the firstborn was often passed down to a son who was not the firstborn. Joseph and David are prime examples of this. Joseph’s brothers all disqualified themselves from leadership of the family; Joseph proved that he was capable of leading his family and providing for them. This is why he was given a double portion.
Jesus is the Firstborn
The New Testament is clear; all these things point to Jesus as the Firstborn. He is the perfect firstborn Son. He is:
– The only acceptable sacrifice
– Wholly dedicated to God
– The One True Priest
– The Leader of the family of God
The Church is the Gathering of the Firstborn
We as Christians are also called the firstborn. This means that all Christians are:
– The redeemed
– Those whom death passed over because of the blood of the Lamb
– Those dedicated to God
– The priests
– Those who are morally pure
– Those who have been given the position of leadership
Application:
– Have you come to Jesus for eternal life?
– Are you living like the firstborn son that you are?
– Sacrificial leadership promotes human flourishing
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