How does Leviticus 24:7 connect to the concept of offering in the New Testament? The Fragrant Bread before the Lord Leviticus 24:7: “And you are to put pure frankincense on each row so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a fire offering to the LORD.” • Each Sabbath the priests set out twelve loaves—the “Bread of the Presence”—symbolizing the twelve tribes continuously welcomed before God. • Pure frankincense was placed on every row. At the week’s end the frankincense was burned on the altar “as a memorial,” rising as a sweet aroma that marked the bread as an offering. • The scene combines two ideas: abiding fellowship (bread) and pleasing sacrifice (frankincense). Christ, the Better Bread and Aroma • John 6:35—Jesus calls Himself “the bread of life,” the true source of continual fellowship with the Father. • Ephesians 5:2—“Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Both elements of Leviticus 24:7 meet in Him: – Bread: His person gives life. – Frankincense: His cross becomes the ultimate sweet–smelling sacrifice. • Hebrews 10:10–12—His one offering perfects those who draw near, replacing the weekly temple ritual with a once-for-all reality. Remembered at the Table of the Lord • 1 Corinthians 11:24–25—At the Last Supper Jesus breaks bread and says, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” The memorial aspect of Leviticus 24:7 is carried into the New Covenant meal. • Every Communion service echoes the weekly presentation in the tabernacle: bread is set forth, Christ’s sacrifice is proclaimed, and worshipers enjoy covenant fellowship. The Aroma Spreads through the Church • 2 Corinthians 2:15—Believers are now “the aroma of Christ” in the world. • Philippians 4:18—Paul describes the Philippians’ generosity as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” • Our lives of worship, service, and generosity rise like the frankincense of old because they are offered in Christ. Prayer as Incense, Worship as Fire Offering • Revelation 5:8; 8:3–4—Incense represents “the prayers of the saints,” carried before God’s throne. • Romans 12:1—We “present [our] bodies as a living sacrifice,” continuing the pattern of sweet-smelling devotion begun in Leviticus 24:7. Putting It All Together Leviticus 24:7 sketches a weekly picture—bread continually present, frankincense burned in memorial—that points forward to: 1. Christ’s once-for-all self-offering, both Bread of life and fragrant sacrifice. 2. The Lord’s Supper, where His people remember and proclaim that offering. 3. The ongoing life of the Church, whose prayers, praise, and acts of love rise as the pleasing aroma God always intended. |
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