In what ways does Leviticus 3:11 connect to New Testament teachings on sacrifice? Key Verse: Leviticus 3:11 “The priest is to burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire to the LORD.” The Peace Offering in its Original Setting • Voluntary act celebrating restored fellowship • Only the richest portions (fat and organs) burned for God, the rest shared in a communal meal • Smoke described elsewhere as a “pleasing aroma” to the LORD (Leviticus 3:5) Old Covenant Patterns Reflected in the New • Mediator: priest in Leviticus, Jesus our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) • Choicest parts consumed: total self-giving of Christ (Philippians 2:8) • “Food” for God: Christ gives His body and blood as true provision (John 6:51; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25) • Pleasing aroma: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) Christ, the Final and Perfect Sacrifice • “We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10) • Sacrifice accepted, no need for repetition (Hebrews 10:14) • Peace with God secured (Romans 5:1) Aroma of Acceptance • Old-covenant smoke prefigured the acceptance of worship • Christ’s offering carries believers into the Father’s presence (2 Corinthians 2:14-15) Believers Share in the Sacrifice • “A holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) • Continual “sacrifice of praise” through Christ (Hebrews 13:15) Living Sacrifices Today • “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1) • Everyday acts of love, generosity, and service become fragrant offerings (Philippians 4:18; Galatians 6:9-10) Summary Leviticus 3:11 portrays select portions consumed by fire, rising as pleasing food to the LORD. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the ultimate peace offering whose once-for-all self-surrender fulfills that image, secures lasting fellowship, and invites believers to respond with lives that echo His fragrant sacrifice. |
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