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Why have the Jews stopped animal sacrifice?

Rebecca asks, “When was the last animal sacrifice made, and why did those who reject Jesus as the Son of God stop sacrificing animals?”

For the Christian, we know that animal sacrifices ended at the moment of Jesus’ death, when the temple curtain was torn in two. That moment signified the final, once-for-all sacrifice of the innocent lamb, Jesus Christ, that replaced the need for animal sacrifices at the temple.

In the Old Testament, only a priest could offer sacrifices and they could only be carried out at the temple in Jerusalem. But the apostle Peter encourages us that through Jesus, all believers are “a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

The question here, however, speaks of Jews who have not accepted Jesus as their Savior, and so they continue to seek redemption through animal sacrifices as they continue to wait for who they believe will be the Messiah.

The reason why animal sacrifices have stopped is because of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Romans in the first century. In 70 AD, Titus and the Roman army put Jerusalem to the sword and to the torch, fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus, who said “The days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (Luke 21:6).

The Law of Moses commanded that animal sacrifice take place only on the altar of God, near the holy place in the designated house of the Lord. That was the tabernacle, then the temple, but there is no physical house of the Lord today.

Some Jews have begun preparing for animal sacrifice when the temple is restored. Some have even started practicing live animal sacrifices, dressed in priestly garments, to be ready for that day.

With our Great Commission in mind, I pray we can reach Jewish people with the truth of the gospel and show them that their temporary sacrifices are no longer needed, for the Lamb of God has already come!

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Comments

gary says:
If Jesus was the Lamb of God who was slain for our sins, doesn't that make him a human sacrifice? How can any modern, educated person participate in a religion founded on the concept of human sacrifice and ritual cannibalism (the Lord's Supper)? Wake up, my friend. Your belief system is irrationally superstitious and highly immoral.
Sheila Bowen says:
Thank you for this explanation. I am a Christian and read/listen to a lot about bible prophesy and was wondering why the Jewish people no longer offer animal sacrifices, especially since they don't consider Jesus as their Savior. I will continue to pray for them, and all others, to accept Jesus as Lord!
Debra Schoppe says:
There is nothing more immoral than to deny and refuse the sacrifice of God's only Son for us in forgiveness of our sins. There is not any cannibalism involved. That notion is the twisting of God's Word to meet the unbeliever's lack of belief in Jesus Christ. Only one God out of all of the gods in the world had so much love, compassion and mercy on His creation that He sacrificed His only Son for us. Communion and wine are sweet to the lips of Believers as God created it to be. That is a fact.
Dwight Osborne says:
With the one permanent and perfect sacrifice Jesus offered as the spotless Lamb of God, there is no other acceptable sacrifice for sin in the Lord's eyes. However, animal sacrifice WILL be reinstated in the Tribulation. It will continue in the millennial kingdom where worship will be from a Jewish distinction rather than from a Christian distinction. Animal sacrifice will be required, but NOT for the purpose of atonement or forgiveness for sin but rather for ceremonial cleansing from sin in order for entrance into the Temple. Those who enter into the kingdom in their mortal bodies still possess a sin nature and will need to be ceremonially clean in order to stand in the presence of God in the Temple.
Daniel says:
The question about human sacrifice is a good question. The answer can be understood in seeing that if it werea human offering another human as a sacrifice then yes that would be immoral and a sin. However it was God Himself who offered this sacrifice to Himself so it is something that transcends us beyond what we could establish. God being the sacrifice in the body of a man and sinless. That is the real meat of the question is that the man was sinless and taking the place of everyone who would believe in Him. God being in a man’s body offering Himself up to God the father in heaven for man and women. This is totally mind boggling. I know. But take your time to think about it and pray to the father to show you something. Amen?
Uriel says:
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believe on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He or she that believe is not condemn, but they that believe not is condemned already because of their choice, not to accept the sacrifice of the Lord... for him, and for her... everyone will on that day give account for their choices (work s) Make your excuse and sound clever, but the Lord will have the last word.
Diane Schilleci says:
Gary, Read John chapter 6 verse 53: Jesus said, “Truly, truly I say unto you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you shall have no life in you.” Many, many disciples left Jesus upon hearing this because they thought the teaching was too hard (cannibalistic) like you. If you are not an atheist and believe in God, surely you believe he can do all things. It’s is the miracle of transsubstantiation at the Mass where bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lord. Jesus at the Last Supper commanded us to celebrate in like manner which we do in His church. Being inquisitive is a good thing. Although you may vehemently disagree, the Holy Spirit may be working in you as you seek the Truth. God bless!