The Fellowship Offering

Leviticus 3 discusses the fellowship offering (also known as the peace offering), which is unique among the offerings for its emphasis on communal celebration and shared meals. This offering symbolizes peace and reconciliation between the offerer, the community, and God.

Instructions for Offering

• Animal Selection: The fellowship offering could consist of cattle, sheep, or goats, and like other offerings, the animals must be without defect. This chapter delineates the procedures for offering each type of animal, emphasizing that both male and female animals could be used, providing flexibility and accessibility in worship practices (Leviticus 3:1-17).
• Fat and Blood Prohibition: A key regulation for all peace offerings is that all fat and blood are forbidden for consumption. The fat portions of the animal, including internal fat and the kidneys, are to be burned on the altar as a food offering to the Lord. The blood is also to be sprinkled around the altar, underscoring its sacred significance.

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Echoes

• Christ Our Peace Offering: The fellowship offering foreshadows Christ’s work on the cross, where He not only made peace between humanity and God but also among humans themselves (Ephesians 2:14-18). Christ’s sacrifice establishes a new covenant of peace, ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament.
• Shared Meal Symbolism: The aspect of the fellowship offering that involves eating a meal from the sacrifice points to the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples, symbolizing the new community formed around His sacrifice.

Divine Love and Its Implications

• Communal and Divine Fellowship: The fellowship offering highlights God’s desire for His people not only to be in right relationship with Him but also to enjoy fellowship with one another. This offering facilitates a tangible expression of community and shared blessing, reflecting God’s love for communal harmony.
• Inclusivity in Worship: The allowance for both male and female animals from different species shows the inclusivity of God’s provisions, enabling people of varying economic means to participate in the celebration of peace with God.

Contemporary Relevance

Why Leviticus 3 Still Matters Today

• Emphasis on Community and Reconciliation: The fellowship offering reinforces the importance of community and reconciliation in the life of believers. It serves as a reminder of the need for unity within the church and the broader society, encouraging believers to maintain peace and fellowship.
• Understanding of Sacrificial Symbolism: Understanding the symbolism in the fellowship offering enriches the Christian’s appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice, which not only brings peace with God but also invites believers into a deeper communion with each other.
• Holiness in Consumption: The prohibition against eating fat and blood teaches respect for life and God’s provisions. It symbolically sets apart the lifeblood and the best portions for God, instilling a sense of holiness in everyday practices like eating.

Leviticus 3, by detailing the procedures and significance of the fellowship offering, not only provides instructions for ancient Israelite worship but also imparts timeless lessons on peace, community, and the holistic nature of worship, which involves both giving to God and sharing with one another. These principles remain foundational for cultivating a vibrant and harmonious community in the faith today.