After reading the details of how the Day of Atonement was to be honored each year, we find that another aspect of this day was the people’s rest and self-denial (vv. 29–31). The Day of Atonement was a Sabbath for God’s people.

In a practical sense, God likely commanded this so the people would be able to focus on the significance of this day. Work and the typical distractions of life were set aside. But there may be another reason: Rest and self-denial are central to the Gospel.

God’s people were to rest, affirming there was nothing they could do to earn forgiveness for their sins. This truth was accentuated in their being spectators during the ceremonies of the Day of Atonement.

Likewise, the people of Israel were to practice self-denial because humility – that of Christ’s taking on the flesh and being the Suffering Servant and that of a person who comes to Him in total neediness for salvation – is a defining characteristic of the Gospel.

• Which do you find more difficult to maintain as a follower of Christ – rest or self-denial? Why?