In what ways does Leviticus 9:4 connect to New Testament teachings on sacrifice? Leviticus 9:4 in context • “and an ox and a ram for a peace offering to sacrifice before the LORD, and a grain offering mixed with oil. For today the LORD will appear to you.” (Leviticus 9:4) • Israel’s first public worship service after the ordination of Aaron’s priesthood. • God promises visible manifestation (“the LORD will appear to you”) when the prescribed sacrifices are offered. Foreshadowing the perfect sacrifice • The ox and ram: costly, unblemished animals → preview of the sinless Christ. • Hebrews 10:12: “But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19: redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” Variety of offerings and their NT fulfillment 1. Sin offering (vv. 2-3) → Christ bears sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). 2. Burnt offering (v. 2) → total dedication; Jesus “gave Himself up” (Ephesians 5:2). 3. Peace (fellowship) offering (v. 4) → reconciliation accomplished (Romans 5:10-11). 4. Grain offering mixed with oil (v. 4) → bread imagery fulfilled in the Lord’s Supper: “Take it; this is My body” (Mark 14:22), poured-out Spirit symbolized by oil (Acts 2:33). Manifest presence: from tabernacle to incarnation • “The LORD will appear” anticipates God’s glory filling the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:23). • John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us, and we beheld His glory.” • The visible glory that once blazed above the altar now shines in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). Oil and the Spirit • Oil mingled with the grain offering signifies the Holy Spirit empowering acceptable worship. • Luke 4:18: Jesus anointed with the Spirit to fulfill His saving mission. • Believers receive the same Spirit so that our lives become pleasing offerings (Philippians 2:17). Priestly mediation then and now • Aaron presents the sacrifices; the people stand back. • Hebrews 7:25: Christ “is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” • The once-for-all priesthood of Jesus replaces the repetitive Levitical system. Living sacrifices: our response • Romans 12:1: “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” • Because Christ fulfilled Leviticus 9:4 in His death and resurrection, worship now involves: – Daily surrender of body and mind. – Continual praise (Hebrews 13:15). – Doing good and sharing (Hebrews 13:16), practical echoes of the peace offering’s fellowship meal. Key takeaways • Leviticus 9:4’s multi-layered sacrifices prefigure the single, sufficient offering of Jesus. • God’s promised appearance points to the incarnate Christ and the Spirit’s indwelling presence. • The Old Covenant altar gives way to New Covenant living sacrifices, empowered by the same holy God who revealed Himself that inaugural day. |
    |