Christ in the Grain Offering
Leviticus 2:1
Introduction.
As we read through the Scriptures, we notice some interesting things about sacrifices in the first few chapters.
Both Cain and Abel offered sacrifices to God (Gen. 4).
Abel’s was accepted, but Cain’s was not. Why?
Naturally, the first thing we look at is what was offered.
Cain offered “fruit of the ground” (Gen. 4:3).
Abel offered “the firstborn of his flock and of their fat” (Gen. 4:4).
We draw the conclusion that God wants animal sacrifices but not plant sacrifices.
This is the wrong conclusion as we’ll see in Leviticus 2.
We will discover that having only a plant sacrifice was wrong.
We will also see that Cain’s wasn’t the best of his produce, either.
Recall the five types of sacrifices discussed in Leviticus:
Burnt offering – one of atonement.
Grain offering – one of dedication.
Peace offering – one of thanksgiving.
Sin offering – one of purification.
Trespass offering – one of reparation.
How does Christ fit into this scheme?
Does Jesus fulfill the grain offering for us?
If so, how?
Body.
When was it used?
Similar to the burnt offering, it doesn’t give a list in Lev. 1—7.
Each time it is mentioned, another blood sacrifice is included (one exception).
This exception is the grain offering of jealousy (Num. 5:11ff).
The burnt offering was to bring one closer to God through atonement and full surrender.
The grain offering was to show their dedication and gratitude.
Included is the dedication of the tabernacle in Num. 7.
The exception is at the end: firstfruits.
This was a dedication of the first crops of a season.
This showed that the firstfruits belonged to God, similar to firstborn.
First part was given to God to show gratitude.
This is similar to our contribution—our wages belong to God.
They took it from the top, not knowing what the crop would be like that year, how much they would get or the quality.
It was from their best.
Different from the showbread.
The showbread was to be presented at all times to the Lord (Exo. 25:30).
This was to be baked anew every Sabbath (Lev 24:5-9).
The priests were to eat the old bread.
It was to be made by gifted artisans (Exo. 35:10, 13).
The grain offering had no such stipulations, but the priests were to eat of it.
Characteristics and Christ’s Fulfillment.
The only sacrifice that did not include an animal, but fine flour.
An animal sacrifice always accompanied the grain offering (except jealousy).
This fine flour was the most purified flour, representing the best—not what Cain offered.
Christ was the purest and best that God had to offer—not unlike offering an animal without spot or blemish.
Is He not also the bread of life? (John 6:48-51).
Frankincense, oil, and salt used, but no leaven or honey.
Frankincense is very aromatic, no doubt contributing to the sweet-smelling aroma.
Frankincense was also given to our Lord as an infant by the wise men (Matt. 2:11) – in a sense, they were preparing Him for sacrifice.
Oil is symbolic of dedication/consecration, as well as joy.
The very word Christ/Messiah means “Anointed One.”
Frankincense and oil were not used in the offering of jealousy.
Salt is always used, and it is a preservative.
Jesus praised those who were the salt of the earth—no doubt He would also qualify (Mark 9:49-50).
Leaven, or yeast, was symbolic of decay, corruption, and sin.
No honey means no sweetener of any kind which could also corrupt.
When fermenting, yeast and sweeteners are used (particularly from fruit).
Jesus warns of the leaven of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod (Matt. 16:6; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1) – it is their doctrine and hypocrisy.
Some of it was to be burned up, but some of it was eaten by the priests.
This showed the dedication to God, as with the burnt offering.
It also helped to provide food for the priests.
This is not unique to the grain offering, but also the peace offering.
This shows a principle that those who work for spiritual things can be paid materially (Luke 10:7; cf. 1 Cor. 9:11).
It can take different forms (uncooked, cooked various ways).
It does not matter how it is prepared, as long as the ingredients are there.
For us in our worship, it does not matter as long as the ingredients are there.
Drink offering is often included.
There is no special preparation of the drink offering, except for amounts (Lev. 23:13; Num. 15).
It is an offering of wine, poured out on the altar.
Paul described his imminent death as being poured out as a drink offering (2 Tim. 4:6).
This calls to mind the execution he was facing just as our Lord faced.
Since bread and wine are involved …
This is done as a memorial.
Just as we eat the bread and drink the cup in the LS, the priests ate part of the holy bread offered on the altar.
The LS is a memorial for what He has done for us: “Do this is in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
Both of these are more than simple reminders, but “prompted worshipers to live … as if all they had truly came from the Lord” (Allen P. Ross).
The LS also reminds us we have been bought at a price.
Conclusion.
Cain’s sacrifice was not sufficient.
Without blood there can be no remission of sins.
Grain offerings were always accompanied by an animal sacrifice (except for one).
We must be willing to offer our best to God.
Christ is the bread of life.
He was offered upon the altar for us.
He was poured out like wine as well.
We eat a portion of Him, figuratively speaking, every Lord’s Day.
It reminds us of His awesome sacrifice.
And it should motivate us to do better every week.
When we look at Leviticus 2, let us think of these things.
Let us also get right with God today!