How does Leviticus 7:31 connect to New Testament teachings on sacrifice? Leviticus 7:31 in its Context “The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons.” Key Observations from Leviticus 7:31 • Two distinct actions: – Fat wholly consumed on the altar—“a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.” (cf. Leviticus 3:16) – The breast given to the priests—set apart for their sustenance and fellowship. • The sacrifice is both God-ward (burned fat) and priest-ward (shared portion). • The provision underscores that those who mediate the offering also partake of its benefits (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:13). Foreshadowing Christ’s Self-Offering • The burnt fat symbolizes total devotion; Christ fulfills this in His complete obedience: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) • As the fat ascends in smoke, so Jesus’ life and death rise as an acceptable aroma, perfectly satisfying divine justice (Hebrews 10:12–14). New Testament Fulfillment of the Priestly Portion • Under the old covenant, only Aaron’s sons ate the breast; under the new covenant, all believers are made “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). • By faith we partake of Christ, the true sacrifice: – “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him.” (John 6:56) – “We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat.” (Hebrews 13:10)—a better share reserved for the redeemed. • The distribution of the breast prefigures the intimate communion Jesus offers through His body given for us (Luke 22:19). Participation of Believers in the Sacrificial Blessing • Priestly right becomes a universal invitation: – “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) • Our ongoing “share” is: – Union with Christ (Galatians 2:20) – Access to the Father (Hebrews 4:16) – Sustenance from the Word and Spirit (Matthew 4:4; Romans 8:11). Practical Takeaways for Today • Approach God with confidence, knowing Christ’s sacrifice is both fully accepted by the Father and fully shared with us. • Live as priests: worship, intercede, and serve from the strength of the portion Christ provides. • Offer your own “fat”—the best and whole of your life—to God, trusting He supplies all you need through the breast He has assigned to His priests. |
    |