How does Exodus 29:11 connect to Jesus' ultimate sacrifice in the New Testament? Exodus 29:11—The Scene “You are to slaughter the bull before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” (Exodus 29:11) Why This Bull Matters • A literal, physical sacrifice commanded by God • Blood poured out before the LORD to inaugurate the priesthood • Publicly performed “at the entrance,” showing that atonement is never hidden Key Symbols That Point Forward • Blood: life offered up to cover sin (Leviticus 17:11) • Substitution: the bull dies so the priest may serve • Consecration: cleansing the priests for ministry (Exodus 29:1) Jesus and the Fulfillment of Every Symbol • Perfect Substitute—“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) • Once-for-All Blood—“By one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14) • True Consecration—His blood cleanses our consciences “to serve the living God.” (Hebrews 9:14) Connections Between the Bull and the Cross 1. Location • Bull: slain “before the LORD” outside the tent’s inner courts • Jesus: crucified outside the city gate “to sanctify the people by His own blood.” (Hebrews 13:12) 2. Public Witness • Both sacrifices occurred where all could see, underscoring God’s justice and mercy. 3. Covenant Ratification • Bull’s blood inaugurated the priestly covenant (Exodus 29:44) • Christ’s blood established the new covenant (Luke 22:20) 4. Priestly Ordination • The bull prepared Aaron’s sons for ministry • Jesus’ sacrifice makes every believer “a royal priesthood.” (1 Peter 2:9) Hebrews 9—Inspired Commentary • “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22) • Old sacrifices were repeated; Christ’s was “once for all at the end of the ages.” (Hebrews 9:26) Takeaway Truths to Hold Onto • God’s requirement for blood atonement has never changed; it was perfectly met at Calvary. • The bull’s death foreshadowed a greater, final offering—Jesus Himself. • Because His sacrifice is complete, we approach God with confidence, cleansed and commissioned for service (Hebrews 10:19-22). |
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