How does understanding Leviticus 7:31 deepen our appreciation for Christ's ultimate sacrifice? The Text Itself – Leviticus 7:31 “The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall belong to Aaron and his sons.” Key Details in the Verse • Fat burned entirely to the LORD • Breast reserved for the priests • Both elements occur within the peace (fellowship) offering Why the Fat Was Burned to God • Throughout Leviticus the fat is called “the LORD’s food” (Leviticus 3:16). • Fat represented the richest, choicest part of the animal—symbolic of giving God the very best. • Its complete consumption by fire pictured total dedication and an aroma “pleasing to the LORD.” How the Breast Fed the Priests • The breast, close to the animal’s heart, became the priestly portion, enjoyed in God’s presence (Leviticus 7:34). • Eating it signified shared fellowship between the priesthood and the LORD who accepted the offering. • Because priests mediated for the people, their nourishment pointed to provision for all who drew near. Christ Fulfilled the Fat Portion • Jesus offered Himself without reserve—spirit, soul, and body—wholly dedicated to the Father (Hebrews 7:26-27). • His sacrifice rose as “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2), the ultimate sweet aroma prefigured by the burning fat. • Nothing of Jesus’ perfection was withheld; every “choicest part” was consumed in securing our redemption. Christ Fulfilled the Breast Portion • As our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), He also receives the priestly share of His own sacrifice. • Believers, now a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), join Him in that portion. We “feed” on His saving work whenever we remember the cross (John 6:51; 1 Corinthians 11:24-26). • Thus the same sacrifice both satisfies God’s justice (fat) and nourishes God’s people (breast). Deepening Our Appreciation of the Cross • Total dedication: Seeing the fat consumed teaches that Christ held nothing back; gratitude grows as we realize the cost. • Perfect satisfaction: The smoke ascending assured Israel that God was pleased. The resurrection assures us the Father accepted Jesus’ offering (Romans 4:25). • Shared fellowship: The priestly meal invites us to ongoing communion with Christ. We draw near, confident His body and blood sustain us (1 Colossians 10:16). • Holiness and generosity: We respond by offering our own “bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) and by sharing our blessings with others, mirroring the priestly distribution. Putting It into Practice • Worship: Praise God for the perfect, fragrant offering of His Son. • Thanksgiving: Regularly recall that the richest portion of redemption is already yours in Christ. • Consecration: Give God the “fat” of your talents, time, and resources—nothing less than your best. • Fellowship: Celebrate the Lord’s Table mindful that you, like the priests, partake of the breast provided by grace. Seeing the burnt fat and the priestly breast side by side in Leviticus 7:31 opens our eyes to the two-fold wonder of Calvary: God fully satisfied, and His people fully supplied. |
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