How does Leviticus 3:15 connect with New Testament teachings on sacrifice? Scripture focus “...including both kidneys and the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which you must remove with the kidneys.” – Leviticus 3:15 setting the scene in Leviticus 3 • Leviticus 3 describes the fellowship (peace) offering, an expression of restored relationship with God. • The worshiper, priest, and God each receive a portion, yet the fat and certain organs are reserved exclusively for the altar fire. • Verse 16 follows by declaring, “All fat belongs to the LORD,” underscoring divine ownership of the choicest part. why the fat mattered • In the ancient world, fat symbolized richness, energy, and the very best of the animal. • Burning the fat signified giving God the most valued portion, a tangible acknowledgment that every good thing originates with Him (Psalm 24:1). • The hidden organs speak of inward surrender; God claims not merely outward acts but the inmost parts (Psalm 51:6). new testament echoes • Christ fulfills every sacrificial type. “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2 – His whole being, including the “best” and most inward parts, was yielded without reserve. • Hebrews 9:13-14 contrasts animal fat and organs with “the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God,” achieving cleansing that the Levitical system only anticipated. • The exclusive burning of fat parallels the Father’s exclusive claim on Jesus. At Calvary the entire worth of the Son rose to God as a pleasing aroma (John 17:4; Philippians 2:8-9). believers as living sacrifices • Romans 12:1 calls believers to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” Total consecration corresponds to the total surrender of the fat in Leviticus 3:15-16. • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds that the body and spirit belong to the Lord, echoing “all fat belongs to the LORD.” • Walking “in love, just as Christ loved us” (Ephesians 5:2) displays the peace-offering pattern: reconciliation accomplished by Christ becomes shared fellowship among God’s people. bringing the threads together • Leviticus 3:15 highlights God’s right to the richest, most hidden portions. • The New Testament reveals Jesus as the flawless peace offering whose entire worth is consumed in devotion to the Father. • Believers respond by surrendering every aspect of life, trusting that what is wholly given to God results in true fellowship with Him and with one another (1 John 1:3). |
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