Overview:

Leviticus 3 details the laws regarding the fellowship offering, also known as the peace offering. Unlike the burnt offering, where the entire animal was consumed by fire, the fellowship offering was shared among the worshiper, the priests, and God. This chapter emphasizes communal fellowship and thanksgiving, as the offering symbolizes a restored relationship with God and others. The offering could be from the herd or flock, and its primary feature was the sacrifice of an animal without defect.

Key themes in this chapter include peace, fellowship, and thanksgiving. The repetition of instructions about offering the fat portions to the Lord as a “pleasing aroma” highlights God’s delight in the act of worship and the fellowship between God and His people. The peace offering points to the holistic peace (shalom) that comes from reconciliation with God, foreshadowing the ultimate peace brought through Christ.

Historical and Literary Context:

Leviticus was written in the context of ancient Israel’s sacrificial system, with Moses as its traditional author. The peace offering stands apart from other sacrifices because of its communal nature. The fellowship offering allowed for portions to be eaten by the worshiper and the priests, symbolizing peace with God and fellowship with one another. This shared meal reflected not only gratitude but also the communal aspect of worship in Israel.

The structure of Leviticus 3 highlights the different types of animals that could be offered (cattle, sheep, or goats), the significance of the fat portions being burned as a “pleasing aroma,” and the importance of blood being drained and offered to God, emphasizing the sacredness of life.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

Fellowship and Peace with God:

The fellowship offering, or peace offering, symbolizes the peace and reconciliation that believers experience through atonement. This offering reflects the restored relationship between God and humanity, allowing worshipers to enjoy fellowship in His presence. Romans 5:1 echoes this theme, stating that “since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Sanctity of Life and the Importance of Blood:

Throughout Leviticus, blood symbolizes life (Leviticus 17:11). In this chapter, the blood of the animal is drained and offered to God, emphasizing that life belongs to Him. The New Testament connects this theme to the blood of Jesus, shed for the sins of the world, as the ultimate means of restoring peace with God (Hebrews 9:14).

Thanksgiving and Worship:

The communal aspect of the peace offering reflects the theme of thanksgiving, as worshipers shared the meal as a celebration of God’s provision and goodness. This act of worship mirrors the Christian practice of giving thanks to God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), recognizing His sovereignty and grace.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Leviticus 3:1-2:

“If your offering is a fellowship offering, and you offer an animal from the herd, whether male or female, you are to present it before the Lord, an animal without defect. You are to lay your hand on the head of your offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splash the blood against the sides of the altar.”

The offering of an unblemished animal demonstrates the requirement of purity in approaching God. Laying hands on the animal signifies the transfer of guilt or association with the offering, similar to the symbolism in the burnt offering. The splashing of blood highlights the centrality of life and atonement in Israel’s worship practices, pointing to Christ’s blood, which secures eternal peace with God (Colossians 1:20).

Leviticus 3:3-5:

“From the fellowship offering you are to bring a food offering to the Lord: the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering that is lying on the burning wood; it is a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.”

The offering of the internal organs and fat portions symbolizes offering the best and most prized parts of the animal to God. These specific portions, considered valuable, emphasize that God deserves the best from His people. The “pleasing aroma” to the Lord speaks to the idea that true worship, offered with a pure heart, brings delight to God (Philippians 4:18).

Leviticus 3:6-11:

“If you offer an animal from the flock as a fellowship offering to the Lord, you are to offer a male or female without defect. If you offer a lamb, you are to present it before the Lord.”

Whether from the herd or flock, the animal was required to be without defect, reflecting the high standards of worship and sacrifice to God. The perfection of the offering points to Jesus, the Lamb of God who was without sin (1 Peter 1:19).

Leviticus 3:12-16:

“If your offering is a goat, you are to present it before the Lord, lay your hand on its head, and slaughter it in front of the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons shall splash its blood against the sides of the altar.”

As with other animals, the offering of a goat emphasizes the variety of acceptable sacrifices but maintains the same requirement of purity. The focus remains on offering one’s best and recognizing that fellowship with God requires the shedding of blood, prefiguring Christ’s sacrifice.

Leviticus 3:17:

“This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.”

This command underscores the sanctity of life and blood in God’s eyes. The prohibition against consuming fat and blood reflects God’s ownership of life and His command for purity in His people’s worship and daily living. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of giving His flesh and blood for eternal life, fulfilling the deeper meaning behind this command (John 6:53-56).

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

The fellowship offering in Leviticus 3 points to the peace and reconciliation made possible through Jesus Christ. While the Israelites experienced temporary peace with God through the sacrificial system, Christ’s sacrifice secured eternal peace. His blood, shed on the cross, fulfilled the requirement for atonement and opened the way for believers to enjoy fellowship with God and with one another (Ephesians 2:14-18).

The sharing of the meal in the fellowship offering mirrors the communion meal in the New Testament, where believers participate in the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). This act of worship not only reminds us of the sacrifice made on our behalf but also unites us in fellowship with other believers, reflecting the peace and unity that Christ’s death achieved.

Sermon Outline and Flow:

Title: “A Table of Peace: Understanding the Fellowship Offering”

1. Introduction
   • Introduce the significance of the fellowship offering as an act of communal worship and peace with God.
   • Highlight how this offering reflects the broader biblical theme of reconciliation through sacrifice.
2. The Gift of Peace (Leviticus 3:1-5)
   • Explain how the offering symbolizes peace with God and the restoration of fellowship between God and humanity.
   • Connect this to Jesus’ sacrifice, which brings eternal peace and reconciliation.
3. Offering the Best to God (Leviticus 3:3-5)
   • Discuss the significance of offering the fat portions and internal organs, emphasizing that God desires our best.
   • Challenge the congregation to reflect on how they offer their time, talents, and resources to God.
4. The Sanctity of Life and Blood (Leviticus 3:12-17)
   • Explore the prohibition against consuming fat and blood and its meaning in the biblical context.
   • Draw parallels to the blood of Christ, which brings eternal life and cleanses us from sin.
5. Conclusion
   • Call the congregation to live in peace with God, offering their best in worship and recognizing the life-giving power of Christ’s sacrifice.

Illustrations and Examples:

• Personal Story: Share a story of experiencing restored peace and fellowship in a broken relationship, using it to illustrate how Christ restores peace between humanity and God.
• Global Example: In various cultures, shared meals are a symbol of peace and unity. Relate this to the fellowship offering and how the communion meal today represents unity among believers.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Leviticus 3 calls believers to:

• Embrace the Peace of Christ: Recognize that true peace and fellowship with God come through Jesus’ sacrifice. As believers, we are called to live in this peace daily and extend it to others.
• Offer God the Best: Just as the Israelites offered the best portions to God, we are to give our best in our worship, service, and daily living.
• Recognize the Sanctity of Life: The emphasis on blood in this chapter reminds us of the sacredness of life and the seriousness of sin. It calls believers to honor the life-giving sacrifice of Christ.

Connection to the Father in Leviticus 3:

The Father is revealed as the source of peace and fellowship, desiring a relationship with His people that is marked by reconciliation and harmony. The fellowship offering reflects His gracious provision for restored relationship and communal worship, rooted in His love for His people.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Leviticus 3:

The peace offering foreshadows Jesus’ role as the ultimate peacemaker between God and humanity. His sacrifice on the cross brings the true peace that the Levitical system pointed toward. As the Lamb of God, Jesus’ blood secures eternal fellowship with God (Romans 5:1).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Leviticus 3:

The Holy Spirit enables believers to live in the peace that Christ has secured. Just as the fellowship offering symbolizes unity and reconciliation, the Spirit works within us to maintain peace and unity in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:3).

Connection to God’s Love in Leviticus 3:

The fellowship offering reflects God’s love in providing a way for restored relationship and peace. Through the sacrificial system, He made it possible for His people to dwell in His presence. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who reconciles us to God and invites us into eternal fellowship with Him (John 15:9-10).

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the concept of the fellowship offering deepen your understanding of peace with God through Christ?
2. In what ways can you offer your best to God in worship and service today?
3. How does the blood of Christ bring peace and reconciliation in your life and relationships?
4. What does it mean to live in fellowship with God and others in your daily life?
5. How can you practically embrace and extend the peace of Christ in your community?