How does understanding Exodus 29:19 deepen our appreciation for Jesus as our High Priest? Exodus 29:19—The Ordination Moment “Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head.” What We’re Seeing in the Text • “The other ram” is the ram of ordination—distinct from the sin-offering bull and the burnt-offering ram (Exodus 29:1, 15). • Aaron and his sons place hands on the animal, publicly identifying with it before it is slain (vv. 20-21). • The blood to follow will mark ear, thumb, and toe, signaling total consecration—hearing, doing, and walking for God. Laying Hands—Identification and Substitution • Transfer: By touch, the priestly family places their own standing onto the ram (Leviticus 1:4; Isaiah 53:6). • Substitution: The ram will die in their stead; its blood makes their ministry possible. • Ordination: The act sets them apart for lifelong service—no turning back. How Jesus Perfectly Fulfills the Pattern • Priest and sacrifice in one Person: “He offered Himself” (Hebrews 7:27). • Identification: He takes our place as we, by faith, lay hands on Him—“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Consecrated life: Every faculty wholly devoted—“I have come to do Your will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7). • Superior blood: His blood, unlike the ram’s, “cleanses our conscience” (Hebrews 9:14). • Eternal ordination: His priesthood is “unchangeable” (Hebrews 7:24). Deepened Appreciation for Our High Priest • The cost of consecration—His own lifeblood—invites awe and gratitude. • The thoroughness of His work covers every part of our lives (ear, hand, foot). • The permanence of His priesthood means unbroken access: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). Living in the Light of His Priesthood • Listen with consecrated ears—tuned to His Word (John 10:27). • Serve with consecrated hands—works prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). • Walk with consecrated feet—worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1). |
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