How does Leviticus 2:6 connect with New Testament teachings on offerings? Leviticus 2:6: “Break it into pieces and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering.” Connections to New Testament Offerings The Broken Pieces—Christ’s Body • Jesus took bread, broke it, and said, “This is My body, given for you” (Luke 22:19). • Paul repeats the picture: “The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread… He broke it” (1 Corinthians 11:23-24). • The grain-bread of Leviticus is physically broken; Christ, the “living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51), is broken at the cross, fulfilling the image. The Poured Oil—The Holy Spirit • Oil in Scripture often points to the Spirit’s anointing (1 Samuel 16:13; Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38). • At Pentecost the Spirit is poured out on believers (Acts 2:17-18). • Just as oil saturates the grain, the Spirit indwells Christ’s body—the church—empowering our worship (1 Corinthians 12:13). A Fragrant Offering—Christ’s Sacrifice • The grain offering produced a “soothing aroma to the LORD” (Leviticus 2:2). • “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). • The Old-Covenant aroma anticipates the ultimate sweetness of Calvary. From Grain to Living Sacrifices—Our Response • “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). • “Offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). • Like grain made into bread, believers are gathered, ground, and united in service. Generosity That Multiplies Seed • Paul links giving to sowing grain: “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed” (2 Corinthians 9:10). • New-Covenant offerings—acts of generosity, praise, and service—mirror the grain offering’s purpose: sustaining worship and community life. Practical Takeaways – Let every Communion celebration recall both the broken grain cake and the broken Savior. – Depend on the Spirit’s anointing, just as oil completed the offering. – Give materially and spiritually so others are fed, reflecting Christ’s fragrant gift. – Live daily as grain placed on God’s altar, nourishing those around you and bringing pleasure to the Lord (Hebrews 13:15-16). |
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