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In Leviticus 1, we explored the burnt offering. In Leviticus 2, it was the grain offering. Now, in Leviticus 3, we come to the peace offering. If you remember, the burnt offering required only a male animal to be sacrificed, while the peace offering here in Leviticus 3 allowed for male or female to be used.
These offerings were done voluntarily by the community depending on the context. For example, the burnt offering was given for the atonement of sin. The animal was a substitute for the worshiper who was offering it as payment for their sin. The grain offering, as discussed in the previous chapter, was brought to the priests from a worshiper who voluntarily wanted to express devotion to God while also recognizing His faithfulness. As for the peace offering, scholars have differed on its function.
Generally speaking, it has been concluded that the peace offering was to consecrate a meal between two parties and to feast together with thankfulness to the Lord. This is due to the nature of the party which would follow the peace offering when the worshiper and his friends would feast together on the meat from the sacrifice. The portions that were not edible would be given to the Lord, and at times, the priests would be given the breast and thigh meat to keep for themselves (Lev 7:31). The priests would also receive the skin.
The term ‘peace offering’ is never used in the NT. However, we do read in the NT that Jesus clarifies the purpose of the peace offering (animal sacrifice).
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:13 NASB
“But if you had known what this means, ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.
Matthew 12:7 NASB
Jesus states that He desires compassion, not a sacrifice. What does this mean? In a way, He is giving us a glimpse into God’s heart. The sacrifices were supposed to be a declaration of God’s mercy and a willingness to obey because peace had been established. The problem was, it didn’t translate. The religious leaders in the NT were more concerned with following the outward rule than truly living with peace, mercy, and compassion.
The transition from OT to NT involved a new type of thinking and Jesus would bridge that gap. Animal sacrifices could not produce true peace with God. They could not change a person to live with freedom and purpose. Neither could the OT law. It simply highlighted the need for a Savior so that a new life could be found.
Jesus is the final peace offering. He has made a way for us to live in harmony with our Creator and that alone should be more than enough to produce authentic compassion for those around us!