Leviticus Chapter 3

Leviticus 3 — “The Sacrifice of Peace: Communion with God Through the Offering of Life”

Leviticus 1 taught that sinners approach God through sacrifice.
Leviticus 2 taught that daily life and labor must be offered to God.
Leviticus 3 now teaches that restored relationship leads to communion.

This chapter introduces the peace offering (also called the fellowship offering).

This chapter teaches one central truth:

God does not only forgive — He invites His people to share in His altar and His peace, a mystery fulfilled in Christ.

1. The Sacrifice of Peace

“If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offering…” (Lev 3:1)

This sacrifice is unique:

• part is burned for God
• part is given to the priest
• part is eaten by the worshipper

It is the only sacrifice in which God, priest, and offerer all share.

St Augustine writes:

“In the sacrifice of peace, God makes a table of reconciliation.”
(City of God)

Typology:

The peace offering prefigures the Eucharist —
a sacrifice that becomes communion.

Christ does not only die for us.
He feeds us with Himself.

2. From Herd or Flock

(vv. 1, 6)

The victim may be:

• cattle
• sheep
• goat

St Gregory the Great teaches:

“Different offerings show that many conditions of life are accepted by God.”
(Homilies)

Typology:

Christ is offered for all:
rich and poor, strong and weak, learned and simple.

Peace with God is not reserved for one class of people.

3. Without Blemish

(vv. 1, 6)

The victim must be perfect.

St Ambrose writes:

“Peace with God cannot be made by what is corrupted.”
(On the Mysteries)

Typology:

Only Christ, without sin, can reconcile heaven and earth.

He is the true Peace Offering:

“He Himself is our peace.” (Eph 2:14)

4. Laying on of Hands

“He shall lay his hand on the head of his offering.” (v. 2)

This repeats the gesture from Leviticus 1.

St Augustine explains:

“The worshipper joins himself to the victim and confesses his need of mercy.”
(Sermons)

Typology:

The sinner identifies with the sacrifice.
The believer is united to Christ.

Our peace with God comes through union with His Son.

5. Slaughter at the Entrance of the Tent

(v. 2)

The sacrifice is killed at the doorway of God’s dwelling.

St Jerome comments:

“Life is offered where God meets man.”
(Commentary)

Typology:

Christ dies outside the gate of Jerusalem
so that we may enter the heavenly sanctuary.

Peace is born at the threshold between heaven and earth.

6. The Sprinkling of Blood

(v. 2)

Blood is cast upon the altar.

St Augustine writes:

“Blood makes peace because life is given for life.”
(Sermons)

Typology:

Christ’s blood seals the New Covenant.
Peace is written in His wounds.

“Having made peace by the blood of His cross.” (Col 1:20)

7. The Fat Belongs to the LORD

“All the fat is the LORD’s.” (v. 16)

Fat represents:

• richness
• strength
• the best part

St Gregory the Great teaches:

“Fat signifies what is inward and strong in man.”
(Homilies)

Typology:

God claims the best of the sacrifice.
Christ offers the fullness of His life.

The heart belongs to God, not leftovers.

8. The Kidneys and the Liver

(vv. 4, 10, 15)

These inner organs were seen as the seat of life and desire.

St Jerome remarks:

“The inward parts are burned to show that inner things must be purified.”
(Commentary)

Typology:

Christ gives not only His body, but His will, His obedience, His interior life.

True peace is not outward only —
it begins within.

9. A Sweet-Smelling Odor

“It is a food offering with a pleasing odor to the LORD.” (v. 16)

God delights not in death
but in reconciliation.

St Augustine writes:

“God smells the obedience, not the smoke.”
(City of God)

Typology:

Christ’s obedience rises to the Father
as perfect fragrance:

“Christ loved us and gave Himself… a fragrant offering.” (Eph 5:2)

10. A Covenant of Peace

This sacrifice is offered not for guilt,
but for communion.

It is offered:

• in thanksgiving
• in fulfilment of a vow
• as a freewill gift

Typology:

Christ establishes a covenant of peace:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (John 14:27)

The Cross is not only justice satisfied —
it is friendship restored.

11. God’s Portion, Priest’s Portion, People’s Portion

In the peace offering:

God receives the fat and blood.
The priest receives a portion.
The worshipper receives the rest.

St Ambrose writes:

“In this sacrifice all partake, because peace unites heaven and earth.”
(On the Mysteries)

Typology:

In the Eucharist:

God receives the sacrifice.
The Church ministers it.
The faithful receive it.

Sacrifice becomes supper.

12. No Blood, No Fat

“You shall eat neither fat nor blood.” (v. 17)

Blood = life.
Fat = the richest part.

St Augustine explains:

“What is God’s must not be consumed as common food.”
(Sermons)

Typology:

Life belongs to God.
Strength belongs to God.

Christ gives His blood sacramentally,
not carnally.

The Eucharist is sacred food,
not ordinary meat.

13. The Meaning of the Peace Offering

This offering teaches:

• reconciliation
• thanksgiving
• shared life with God
• joyful worship

It proclaims:

God does not only pardon.
God welcomes.

The altar becomes a table.

14. Christ and the Peace Offering

Christ fulfills Leviticus 3 as:

• the spotless victim
• the giver of peace
• the blood of reconciliation
• the shared sacrifice
• the true communion
• the covenant of peace

“He is our peace.” (Eph 2:14)

The Cross makes peace.
The Eucharist shares it.

15. The Church and the Peace Offering

In Christ, the Church becomes:

• a reconciled people
• a eucharistic people
• a people of thanksgiving
• a people of communion

St Paul writes:

“The cup of blessing… is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?” (1 Cor 10:16)

Worship becomes fellowship.
Sacrifice becomes communion.

Spiritual Application

Rejoice in reconciliation.

Offer God the best of your heart.

Seek peace through Christ’s blood.

Live as one who shares God’s table.

Do not treat holy things lightly.

Let worship become thanksgiving.

Christ in Leviticus 3

Jesus is:

• the Prince of Peace
• the Spotless Victim
• the Blood of Reconciliation
• the Shared Sacrifice
• the Covenant of Peace
• the Bread of Communion
• the Reconciler of Heaven and Earth

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
true Peace Offering and Mediator of the New Covenant,
You made peace by the blood of Your Cross
and invite us to share in the sacrifice of Your life.

Teach us to live in reconciliation with the Father,
to offer You the best of our hearts,
and to rejoice in the communion You have given us.

May our worship be thanksgiving,
our lives be peace,
and our union with You be our joy,
until the day when sacrifice gives way to the eternal banquet
and we feast with You
in the Kingdom of God
for ever and ever.

Amen.