Day 31: Exodus 26-28; Matthew 21
The First High Priest and the Great High Priest
Aaron's attire certainly set him apart (Exodus 28). It was striking how significant every part of his outfit was, showing that he had a singularly unique place of service as high priest, representing God to His people, and His people to God. Yet, it was all external. It won't be long until we see that Aaron was human, affected by our deadly condition called sin. Indeed, every one of his successors, down to the ones confronting Jesus (Matthew 21:23) demonstrated that same tendency.
Here comes Jesus (Matthew 21) into Jerusalem with His plain attire, riding on a humble beast, wearing no distinguishing garb. His entire appeal is from the inside out. What makes Him unique is not what He wears, but Who He is. He is the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)...the One Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Thank God that in all that Jesus is to us, He remains our Great High Priest to Whom we, each one, have direct and personal access without limitation or boundary!
"...but, on the other hand, Jesus holds His priesthood permanently and without change, because He lives on forever. Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God]." (Hebrews 7:24-25, AMP)
Aaron's attire certainly set him apart (Exodus 28). It was striking how significant every part of his outfit was, showing that he had a singularly unique place of service as high priest, representing God to His people, and His people to God. Yet, it was all external. It won't be long until we see that Aaron was human, affected by our deadly condition called sin. Indeed, every one of his successors, down to the ones confronting Jesus (Matthew 21:23) demonstrated that same tendency.
Here comes Jesus (Matthew 21) into Jerusalem with His plain attire, riding on a humble beast, wearing no distinguishing garb. His entire appeal is from the inside out. What makes Him unique is not what He wears, but Who He is. He is the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)...the One Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Thank God that in all that Jesus is to us, He remains our Great High Priest to Whom we, each one, have direct and personal access without limitation or boundary!
"...but, on the other hand, Jesus holds His priesthood permanently and without change, because He lives on forever. Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God]." (Hebrews 7:24-25, AMP)
Photo by Grant Whitty on Unsplash
1 Comment
This has me singing in my head "The Great I Am." One of my favorite songs we sing some Sundays.