How does Leviticus 2:5 connect to New Testament teachings on offerings? Setting the Scene in Leviticus 2:5 • “If your grain offering is baked on a griddle, it must be made of fine flour mixed with oil, unleavened.” (Leviticus 2:5) • A simple recipe: fine flour, oil, no leaven, cooked on hot iron. • Under the Law this offering was voluntary, a thank-you gift that joined the worshiper’s table to God’s table. Ingredients that Preach the Gospel • Fine flour —ground until every particle is the same: a picture of flawless consistency (Isaiah 53:9; 1 Peter 2:22). • Oil —the emblem of the Holy Spirit’s anointing (Acts 10:38; 1 John 2:20). • Unleavened —no yeast, no puffing, no corruption: a life free from sin’s ferment (Exodus 12:15; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8). • Griddle heat —exposed to fire yet not consumed, hinting at suffering that perfects rather than destroys (Isaiah 48:10; Hebrews 5:8-9). Christ—The True Grain Offering • Jesus is “the bread of life” (John 6:35). He embodies the fine flour—perfect humanity, evenly balanced grace and truth. • Conceived by the Spirit and ministering in the Spirit’s power, He fulfills the oil. • He remained unleavened—“He committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22). • Calvary’s heat pressed on Him; His offering rose to God “as a fragrant aroma” (Ephesians 5:2). New Testament Calls to Offerings Today • Living sacrifices: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). • Spiritual priesthood: “You also…to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). • Unleavened lives: “Let us keep the feast…with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:8). • Spirit-anointed service: “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18); only oil-soaked flour pleases God. • Gifts and generosity: “A fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). • Praise and good works: “Offer God a sacrifice of praise… do not neglect to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16). Living the Lesson • Pursue purity—root out the yeast. • Depend on the Spirit—let every act be mixed with oil. • Embrace refining—trials press flavor into the offering. • Keep consistency—fine flour speaks of steadiness whether in public or private. • Offer continually—gratitude is never a one-time gift. Leviticus 2:5 is more than an ancient recipe; it is a living picture fulfilled in Christ and reenacted whenever believers, purified and Spirit-filled, present themselves and their resources to God. |
    |