How does Leviticus 2:1 connect with New Testament teachings on offerings? Opening Text “When anyone presents a grain offering to the LORD, his offering shall consist of fine flour. He is to pour oil on it, put frankincense on it,” (Leviticus 2:1) Snapshot of the Grain Offering • Fine flour – the best of the harvest, ground smooth and even, symbolizing purity and consistency • Oil – poured over the flour, picturing consecration and the presence of the Spirit • Frankincense – fragrant resin, rising in sweet aroma as the fire touches it • No blood is shed, marking this as a gift of worship and thanksgiving rather than atonement Jesus—Fulfillment of the Grain Offering • The sinless “fine flour” – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the bread of life.’” (John 6:35) – In His perfect humanity, every “grain” of His life is even and flawless. • Anointed with the Spirit (“oil”) – “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.” (Acts 10:38) – “You have an anointing from the Holy One.” (1 John 2:20) • A fragrant aroma to the Father (“frankincense”) – “Christ … gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) – Wise men present frankincense at His birth (Matthew 2:11), hinting early at His sacrificial fragrance. • Broken and shared like grain bread – “Take and eat; this is My body.” (Matthew 26:26) – At the cross He is offered once for all, the final and perfect meal offering. New-Testament Offerings Shaped by the Grain Offering 1. Living bodies presented to God • “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices.” (Romans 12:1) • Our daily obedience mirrors placing fine flour on the altar—whole, pure, undivided. 2. Praise that rises like incense • “Let us continually offer … a sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15) • Revelation 8:3-4 shows prayers ascending with incense, recalling frankincense on the grain. 3. Generous giving and good works • “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) • Paul calls the Philippians’ financial support “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice” (Philippians 4:18). 4. Sowing and reaping for ministry • “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed.” (2 Corinthians 9:10) • Our resources, like Israel’s grain, are entrusted back to God for His glory. Practical Takeaways for Today • Offer the best, not the leftovers—God still delights in “fine flour.” • Depend on the Spirit’s “oil” for every act of service; self-effort alone has no fragrance. • Let worship and prayer carry the sweet aroma of sincere devotion, not mere duty. • See everyday obedience, generosity, and praise as real sacrifices that please the Father because they are presented through Christ, the once-for-all Grain Offering. |
    |