What does Exodus 29:10 teach about the seriousness of sin and repentance? Passage “You are to present the bull at the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head.” (Exodus 29:10) Setting the Scene • Exodus 29 details the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. • The first act is a sin offering—a bull brought before the LORD. • Laying hands publicly transfers guilt from sinners (the priests) to the substitute (the bull). Why a Bull? The Weight of Sin • A bull was the most valuable animal in Israel’s herds—costly, strong, and life-sustaining. • Sacrificing such a beast underscores that sin is not a light misstep; it demands a costly payment (Romans 6:23). • Every drop of blood, every ounce of flesh burned, shouts that sin ends in death unless God provides atonement (Hebrews 9:22). Laying on of Hands: A Picture of Repentance • Identification: Aaron and his sons admit, “This bull now carries what we have done.” • Confession: They agree with God’s verdict against sin—no excuses, no minimization. • Substitution: Their guilt moves from themselves to the animal, foreshadowing a greater Substitute (Isaiah 53:6). • Personal involvement: No delegate performs the act; the sinners themselves press their hands on the victim—repentance cannot be outsourced. Key Truths About the Seriousness of Sin • Sin separates even God-appointed priests from holy service until dealt with. • The priestly garments, anointing oil, and ordination mean nothing without sin first addressed. • Repetition of sacrifices (cf. Leviticus 4:15) reminds Israel that the problem is ongoing and deep-seated. Key Truths About Genuine Repentance • True repentance is active: it moves toward God’s remedy instead of hiding (2 Corinthians 7:10). • It is humble: the priests stand as needy sinners before the congregation. • It is public: repentance is never merely a private feeling; it bears visible fruit. Looking Ahead to Christ • The bull points to the once-for-all sacrifice: “And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10) • Christ bears the full weight of sin, fulfilling what every bull symbolized yet could never accomplish permanently. • What the priests enacted in shadow, believers now receive in substance—complete forgiveness through the cross. Takeaway Exodus 29:10 teaches that sin is deadly serious, requiring life-for-life payment, and that repentance is hands-on identification with God’s appointed substitute. In Christ, the ultimate fulfillment, both the gravity of sin and the grace of repentance find their perfect meeting place. |
    |