God instructed Moses to sacrifice several animals in conjunction with the ordination of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. The animals were killed by the door of the tabernacle. Their blood was rubbed on the altar. Parts of their bodies were burned upon the altar. But the remainder were burned “with fire without the camp” (Exodus 29:14). Taking the body of the animal away from the camp was an important part of the sacrifice.
The Lord specified a similar procedure for burnt offerings and sin offerings. (See Leviticus 4:12, 21.)
All of those sacrifices symbolized the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews pointed out that when the Savior was crucified, He was similarly outside of the walls of Jerusalem:
For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Hebrews 13:11-13
I like that call to action in the final verse. Jesus suffered “without the camp.” If we are to be His disciples, we must meet Him there.
Throughout His life, Jesus gravitated to the marginalized, the misunderstood, the outcasts. He befriended publicans (Matthew 9:10-13), defended sinners (John 8:3-11), and touched lepers (Mark 1:40-41). He announced His divine role to a Samaritan woman, whom most of His colleagues would have ignored. (See John 4.) If Jesus stepped outside of the bounds of commonly accepted interactions in order to minister to those who needed Him most, then we must do the same.
King Benjamin told his people that Jesus would heal the sick, raise the dead, cause the lame to walk, the blind to see, and the deaf to hear. (See Mosiah 3:5.) He urged his people to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick. (See Mosiah 4:26.) Then he asked them this searching question: “How knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13).
Today, I will follow the Savior’s example by stepping outside of my comfort zone and serving people outside of my usual social circles. I will meet Him “without the camp,” striving to serve those He would serve if He were here.
I have never noticed that expression “without the camp”- a super insight !
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Genuine thanks to you, Paul, for this ultra timely reminder, at a time of global conflict, that there is so much we can each do to lift and strengthen others in need, by leaving our own comforts, and by lifting up and blessing another in need, by unsolicited acts of kindness, compassion and love unfeigned.