How does Exodus 29:19 connect to Christ's ultimate sacrifice in the New Testament? The Setting in Exodus 29 • Exodus 29 details the consecration of Aaron and his sons for priestly ministry. • Verse 19 focuses on the “second ram”: “Take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.” • The first ram (vv. 15–18) was a burnt offering of general atonement. The second ram (often called the “ram of ordination”) was specifically tied to the priests’ appointment and service. Laying Hands on the Ram—A Picture of Substitution • By placing their hands on the ram, Aaron and his sons transferred their identity, guilt, and need for cleansing onto the animal (Leviticus 1:4). • This symbolic act teaches two timeless truths: – Sin demands death (Romans 6:23). – God provides a substitute to bear that penalty (Isaiah 53:6). • The ram’s blood was then applied to the right ear, thumb, and big toe of each priest (Exodus 29:20), signifying total consecration—hearing, serving, and walking in holiness. The Ram of Ordination and Jesus the Greater Sacrifice • The New Testament identifies Jesus as the ultimate, once-for-all substitute that every OT sacrifice anticipated (Hebrews 9:11–14; 10:10–14). • Parallels: – Laying on of hands ➔ Identification with Christ. “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) – Blood applied to ear, hand, foot ➔ Christ’s blood cleanses every faculty, enabling believers to “present [their] bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). – Priestly consecration ➔ Jesus, our High Priest, inaugurates a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5, 9). His sacrifice not only atones but also commissions. Consecrated Priests, Consecrated People • Old-covenant priests needed repeated sacrifices; Christ’s single offering perfects for all time those being sanctified (Hebrews 10:14). • Aaron’s sons entered service through another creature’s blood; believers enter through Christ’s own blood, giving “boldness to enter the Most Holy Place” (Hebrews 10:19). • Because He is both sacrifice and priest, Jesus fulfills and surpasses Exodus 29: – He bears sin (John 1:29). – He mediates access (1 Timothy 2:5). – He empowers transformed living (Galatians 2:20). Takeaways for Today • Exodus 29:19 points forward to a perfect Substitute who fully identifies with sinners. • The ordination ram foreshadows Christ’s death, which consecrates every believer for service. • Trusting His finished work means we are: – Cleansed by His blood. – Set apart as a kingdom of priests. – Empowered to hear, serve, and walk in obedience. |
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