How does Exodus 28:29 connect to Jesus as our High Priest in Hebrews? Wearing the Names: Exodus 28:29 in Context “So Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel on the breastpiece of judgment over his heart when he enters the Holy Place, as a regular reminder before the LORD.” Why God Gave the Breastpiece • Representation – one man stands for the whole nation • Remembrance – their names are literally “on his heart” before God • Intercession – Aaron enters God’s presence on their behalf • Judgment & Mercy – the “breastpiece of judgment” rests above the atonement sacrifice, pointing to mercy covering judgment (Leviticus 16:15-16) Jesus in Hebrews: the Greater High Priest • Hebrews 2:17 – made like us “to make atonement for the sins of the people” • Hebrews 4:14-16 – “a great high priest who has passed through the heavens… let us approach the throne of grace with confidence” • Hebrews 7:24-25 – lives forever, “always lives to intercede” • Hebrews 9:11-12 – entered the greater tent “by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption” • Hebrews 10:19-22 – His flesh is the true veil; we draw near “with hearts sprinkled clean” Point-by-Point Connection • The Names Carried – Aaron bore tribal names; Jesus bears individual believers (John 10:3; Isaiah 49:16) • Close to the Heart – earthly priest held stones over his heart; Jesus’ love flows from His pierced heart (John 19:34; Romans 5:8) • Into God’s Presence – Aaron entered once a year; Jesus entered “once for all” (Hebrews 9:12) and remains there (Hebrews 8:1) • Atonement Offered – animal blood covered sin temporarily; Christ’s blood removes sin eternally (Hebrews 10:11-14) • Continual Reminder – breastpiece was a perpetual memorial; Christ’s wounds are an everlasting testimony (Revelation 5:6) • Access for the People – Israel waited outside; in Christ we “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place” (Hebrews 10:19) Living in the Reality Today • Security – our names are safe on His heart; nothing can snatch us from Him (John 10:28-29) • Identity – we are represented before the Father right now, not just in the future (Hebrews 7:25) • Bold Approach – prayer and worship are possible because He already stands before God for us (Hebrews 4:16) • Hope in Suffering – our High Priest sympathizes with weaknesses and intercedes in trials (Hebrews 4:15; Romans 8:34) • Joyful Obedience – knowing we are carried close motivates holiness (Hebrews 10:22-24) Key Passages for Further Reading Ex 28 " Leviticus 16 " Isaiah 49:14-16 " John 17:24-26 " Hebrews 2; 4; 7; 8; 9; 10; 13 " 1 Peter 2:4-5 |
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