Leviticus chapter 22.17-25 discusses the animals that can be sacrificed, particularly the unallowable ‘blemishes’ that disqualify any offered beast. Not blind, disabled, mutilated, having a discharge or itch or scab; no scars, wounds, or bruised, crushed, or torn testicles. Physically perfect animals were required because God is holy.

The sacrifices were required to temporarily atone for man’s sin. Because of his inability to satisfy God’s commandments, man is sinful and morally imperfect, especially because God is holy. But the animal sacrifices could only go so far, since the perceived physical perfection of the animals did not cover the moral imperfections of man.

Jesus, on the other hand, had definite physical blemishes. He was not much to look at, according to Isaiah 53.2. And when crucified, he had been whipped, beaten, spit on. He was a mess physically. But morally, he was perfect. No sins. He even asked his father, in a very un-human-nature way, to forgive his persecutors because they didn’t know what they were doing.

Remember, God is holy. His holy justice demanded, and He provided, a morally perfect sacrifice to once and for all take care of man’s inability to satisfy the law. He sent his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3.16).  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6.23).