How does Leviticus 3:2 connect to Christ's ultimate sacrifice in the New Testament? “He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to sprinkle the blood on all sides of the altar.” The Peace Offering in Context • The offering in Leviticus 3 is a “peace” or “fellowship” sacrifice—celebrating restored harmony between God and the worshiper. • It follows the burnt offering (total consecration) and the grain offering (thanksgiving), completing a picture of devoted, thankful communion with God. Key Movements in the Verse • Laying on of hands—identification with the animal, signifying transfer of the worshiper’s guilt. • Slaughter at the entrance—death occurring publicly where God meets His people. • Sprinkling of blood—life poured out and applied by the priests, securing acceptance and peace. Spotlight on Christ • Identification: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Our guilt was placed on Jesus just as the worshiper placed hands on the offering. • Public death: “Jesus… suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people by His own blood” (Hebrews 13:12). The cross stood in full view, like the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. • Blood applied: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). The true High Priest sprinkled His own life-blood before the Father. • Resulting peace: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). The very goal of the Levitical peace offering is fulfilled permanently in Christ. Parallel Truths • One sacrifice for all—no repeated offerings after Calvary (Hebrews 10:10). • Fellowship meal—believers now enjoy ongoing communion at the Lord’s Table, proclaiming His death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Shared portion—Old‐covenant worshipers ate part of the peace offering; New‐covenant worshipers partake spiritually of Christ, the “true bread from heaven” (John 6:32-35). Why This Matters Today • Assurance: Christ’s blood secures an unbreakable peace that does not depend on repeated rituals. • Access: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). • Worship: Every gathering of believers reflects the joyful fellowship first foreshadowed in Leviticus 3. Scripture Links to Explore Leviticus 7:11-15; Isaiah 53:5; John 19:34; Ephesians 2:13-16; Colossians 1:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19 |
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