2.  The Grain Offering

The Personal Character of Christ
Leviticus 2:1—16

 
There was no blood-shedding in this offering, signifying that the thought of suffering is not a part of this offering.  What we have here is a type of the character of Christ.  In studying this offering, we notice the following things:  It was—

 
(a)  Of fine flour, verse 1

Flour is a product of earth and may refer to the relationship of Christ with man.  It was fine flour.  Though Christ was truly human, he was entirely free from the bran of worldliness.  In Him there was no defect, no coarseness of passion or feeling.  Jesus Christ was perfect in every way. 

(b)  Mixed with oil, verse 4

In this case, oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit.  As the flour was mixed with oil, so the presence and power of the Holy Spirit permeated every act and thought of Christ.  The process of mingling the human and divine is a great mystery.  Great is the mystery of Godliness. 

(c)  Anointed with oil, verse 1

Oil in and oil on it suggests the two-fold truth of the indwelling and anointing of the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit in us for guidance and teaching, on us for power and service.  The Holy Spirit was in Christ from His birth, but it was on Him after His baptism in the Jordan.  So He is in us from the moment of our new birth, and on us from the day of our entire dedication and consecration to the service of God. 

(d)  Covered with incense, verses  2

 This incense was a sweet smell to the Lord, and speaks of the satisfaction God finds in a Spirit-possessed and Spirit-anointed life.  The life of Jesus was lived in and by the power of the Holy Spirit, and so it was well pleasing in God’s sight. 

(e)  Baked in the oven, verse 14

 The fire and the beating are obviously suggestive of the sufferings of our Lord.  He was a “man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.”  He passed through the oven of fiery heat in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The Shepherd was smitten; He was made a perfect meat-offering through suffering.  Ours were the pains He bore. 

(f)  To have no yeast or honey, verse 11

Yeast as a type of sin represents the secret working of deceit and corruption.  Honey may symbolize the flattery and applause of men.  Jesus Christ was unmoved either by the one or the other.  There was no guile in His speech; He could declare, “I am the Truth,” and mean it. 

(g)  Seasoned with salt, verse 13

Salt has a pungent, preserving influence, something that stops corruption.  Such is the effect of the truth as revealed in Jesus upon those who come into contact with it.  The everlasting covenant and unfailing faithfulness of Christ to the will of God the Father is doubtless taught by the salt.  He is forever faithful.

(h)  Offered to the Lord, verse 2 

Flour, oil, frankincense, these three, body, soul, and spirit, all presented to the Lord and accepted by Him.  Through Jesus Christ we have access by one spirit to the Father.  Romans 12:1, 2.

(i)  Food for the offerer, verse 10

A portion of this offering was given to Aaron and his sons.  It was a most holy portion; it was also the Bread of God and of man.  It takes the most holy to satisfy the heart of God and the soul of man.  It became the food for the offerer only after he had offered it to God.  Christ can only satisfy our souls as we present Him to God as our Substitute, and plead the merit of His precious Name.  God will not have us to feast our souls on less than that which has brought infinite satisfaction to His own heart.