February 21, 2020

The first two offerings we see in the book of Leviticus were the burnt and grain offerings. Today we look at the peace offering. This offering offers peace between those who offer and the Lord. It dealt with a communion type meal between the person making the offering, the priest and the Lord. Of course, to get that meal one had to offer a sacrifice of their unblemished animal, kill it in front of the tent of meeting, drain the blood, go through some specific cutting procedures to get rid of the fat and then the priest burns it all up which created an aroma that was pleasing to the lord and brought fellowship with Him once again. 

This all was done as a foreshadowing of our great sacrificial lamb, Jesus who was without sin but took our sin upon Himself on the cross and through repentance and faith we receive fellowship and peace with God once again. Not only is this a foreshadowing of the Gospel but also the sacrament that Jesus left the church to remind us of this sacrifice every time we receive a similar communion in the Lord’s Supper.  It was Him inviting us to a feast upon the Lamb that was slain by eating the bread which symbolizes the flesh of the sacrifice and drinking the cup which symbolizes His blood. When we partake of the Lord’s Supper we demonstrate to God that we accept His peace offering.

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:26-29

By: Erik Koliser — West Campus Pastor