How does Exodus 28:38 connect with Jesus as our ultimate High Priest? Reading Exodus 28:38 “[The plate] will be on Aaron’s forehead, so that Aaron may bear the guilt connected with the holy offerings that the Israelites consecrate—all their holy gifts. It must always be on his forehead, so that they may find favor before the LORD.” Key Details in the Verse • A plate of pure gold engraved “Holy to the LORD” sat on Aaron’s forehead (Exodus 28:36–37). • Its purpose: Aaron “bears the guilt” associated with Israel’s offerings. • Result: the people “find favor” before the LORD. Why the Plate Matters • Placement on the forehead—public, visible holiness. • Constant presence—“always” on Aaron, symbolizing continual representation. • Transfer of guilt—the priest accepts responsibility for any impurity clinging to otherwise holy gifts. How Jesus Perfectly Fulfills the Picture • Spotless holiness – Hebrews 7:26: Jesus is “holy, innocent, undefiled.” – Unlike Aaron, no personal sin or need for atonement (Hebrews 7:27). • Continual representation – Hebrews 7:25: “He always lives to intercede for them.” – Hebrews 9:24: He appears “in God’s presence on our behalf.” • Bearing our guilt – Isaiah 53:6: “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” – 1 Peter 2:24: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21: God made Him “who knew no sin to be sin for us.” • Securing favor – Romans 5:1–2: Through Him we have “peace with God” and “access.” – Ephesians 1:6: We are “accepted in the Beloved.” Parallel Highlights • Plate inscription “Holy to the LORD” ⇢ Christ’s very nature: utterly holy (Luke 1:35). • Plate “always” present ⇢ Christ’s unceasing priesthood (Hebrews 7:24). • Aaron bears guilt of offerings ⇢ Christ bears guilt of sinners themselves (Hebrews 9:14). • Resulting favor ⇢ believers “draw near with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19-22). Practical Takeaways • Our worship is accepted not because it is flawless but because Jesus bears any impurity that still clings to it. • We approach God with boldness, trusting the One whose holiness never fades. • Every time we confess sin, remember the golden plate’s shadow—now fulfilled by the nail-scarred, glorified High Priest who continually carries our names before the Father. |
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