What connections exist between Leviticus 3:10 and New Testament teachings on sacrifice? Leviticus 3:10 — The Verse in View “And both kidneys and the fat that is on them, and the lobe of the liver, he shall remove with the kidneys.” What This Meant at the Altar • The peace (fellowship) offering expressed grateful communion with God. • Only select inner portions—rich fat and vital organs—were placed on the fire. • Fat symbolized the choicest, best part; it belonged exclusively to the LORD (Leviticus 3:16). • Burning these parts produced the “soothing aroma,” signaling God’s acceptance. New Testament Fulfillment in Christ • Christ offered Himself “as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2), mirroring the soothing aroma of Leviticus 3. • Hebrews 10:10–12 shows His one sacrifice accomplishing permanently what repeated peace offerings only pictured. • Just as the hidden, life-sustaining fat was consumed for God alone, Jesus gave the entirety of His inner life—mind, will, heart—in perfect obedience (John 4:34; 5:30). • Colossians 1:19-20 links this wholehearted surrender to the restoration of our fellowship with God, the very goal of the peace offering. New Testament Calls to Believers • Romans 12:1—“present your bodies as a living sacrifice,” offering our whole selves, inside and out. • Philippians 2:17; 4:18—believers’ service and generosity rise like “a fragrant offering.” • Hebrews 13:15-16—sacrifice now expresses itself through praise, good deeds, and sharing. • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20—honoring God with our bodies echoes the prohibition against using the fat for personal consumption; what is God’s remains God’s. Key Connections to Highlight • Reserved Portion → Exclusive Devotion: fat to Yahweh parallels Christ’s total yielding to the Father and our call to give Him our best. • Inner Parts → Heart Obedience: hidden organs point to the inward reality God seeks; Jesus supplies it, and the Spirit enables it in us (Matthew 22:37; Galatians 5:24-25). • Soothing Aroma → Divine Pleasure: sacrificial aroma in Leviticus finds its ultimate expression in the Father’s delight over the Son (Matthew 3:17) and, in Him, over believers (2 Corinthians 2:15). Takeaway for Today • Leviticus 3:10’s detailed ritual was never mere form; it foreshadowed Christ’s perfect, wholehearted surrender. • Because His sacrifice is complete, our fellowship with God is secure. • Respond by offering every “best part” of life—affections, resources, praise—back to the One who gave Himself for us. |
    |