How does Leviticus 3:7 connect to Jesus as the Lamb of God? The Text in View “ ‘If he is presenting a lamb for his offering, then he shall present it before the LORD.’ ” (Leviticus 3:7) Why a Lamb Appears in the Peace Offering • The peace (or fellowship) offering celebrated restored harmony between the worshiper and God. • A lamb, one of the flock’s most gentle and valuable animals, vividly underscored the cost of peace. • The requirement that it be brought “before the LORD” highlighted that reconciliation is God-ward, not man-centered. Spotless and Substitutionary • Leviticus 3:6 specifies a lamb “without blemish,” foreshadowing the perfect substitute (“He committed no sin,” 1 Peter 2:22). • The worshiper laid hands on the animal (Leviticus 3:8), identifying with it; the lamb died, the offerer lived—an unmistakable picture of substitution (Isaiah 53:5-6). Echoes in the Gospel Accounts • John 1:29—“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” The language of Leviticus resurfaces on John’s lips as he points to Jesus. • At the cross, Jesus was “delivered over to death for our trespasses and raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25). He fulfilled the peace offering’s intent: true, lasting fellowship with God (Ephesians 2:13-14). Presented Before the LORD—Fulfilled in Christ • Leviticus 3:7 required the lamb to be brought into God’s presence. Jesus, the greater Lamb, was “offered to God” (Hebrews 9:14). • His sacrifice did not remain on earth; He ascended as our “forerunner” into the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 6:19-20), completing what the tabernacle ritual only anticipated. Peace Secured, Fellowship Enjoyed • The peace offering concluded with a shared meal (Leviticus 7:15). Likewise, through Jesus we enjoy ongoing communion: “We have fellowship with the Father and with His Son” (1 John 1:3). • Revelation 19:9 speaks of the future “marriage supper of the Lamb,” the ultimate fulfillment of the fellowship meal first hinted at in Leviticus. Key Takeaways for Today • Scripture’s precision—down to an ancient sacrificial detail—points directly to Christ. • Because the Lamb has been offered, believers enjoy real peace with God (Romans 5:1). • Worship now flows from gratitude, not guilt; the once-for-all Lamb has already been presented before the LORD on our behalf. |
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