How does Exodus 29:22 connect to Jesus as our ultimate sacrifice? The verse in focus “Take from the ram the fat, the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the lobe of the liver, the two kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh, for this is a ram for ordination.” (Exodus 29:22) The ordination ram: foreshadowing a greater sacrifice • God prescribed an entire ram to consecrate Aaron and his sons, setting them apart for priestly service. • Every element was deliberate, showing that nothing about atonement is random; it must be exactly as God directs. • The ordination ceremony pointed Israel forward to a perfect, once-for-all Priest and Sacrifice. Specific parts set aside: symbolic meaning • Fat – prized portion in the ancient world; offered wholly to God, depicting the very best reserved for Him (Leviticus 3:16). • Lobe of the liver & kidneys – organs associated with the deepest affections and motives, highlighting inward purity (Psalm 26:2). • Right thigh – the choicest, strongest part, signifying strength devoted to the Lord. These elements together portray a sacrifice that is wholehearted, flawless, and completely yielded—precisely what Jesus embodies. Christ fulfills every detail • Wholehearted devotion: “Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come… I delight to do Your will, O God.’” (Hebrews 10:7-10). • Inward purity: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22). • Strength surrendered: “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8). • Consecration of priests: by His blood He makes believers “a kingdom and priests to our God” (Revelation 1:5-6). From ritual to reality: secured by a perfect offering • The detailed removal of the fat, organs, and thigh underscored total consecration; Jesus offered Himself without reservation. • The ram was consumed on the altar; Jesus endured the full wrath due for sin, leaving nothing unfinished (John 19:30). • Aaron’s ordination needed repeating sacrifices; Christ’s single sacrifice “has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). • Because the ultimate Priest offered the ultimate sacrifice, believers are permanently set apart to serve God with confidence (Hebrews 4:14-16). Scriptures that echo the connection • Isaiah 53:10 – “Yet it pleased the LORD to crush Him…” (the pleasing aroma of the fat offering). • John 1:29 – “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” • Ephesians 5:2 – “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” • Hebrews 9:12 – “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, securing eternal redemption.” |
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