What connections exist between Exodus 29:24 and New Testament teachings on sacrifice? Setting the Scene: Exodus 29:24 • “Then put all these into the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering.” (Exodus 29:24) • Context: the ordination of Israel’s priests. A ram has been slain, its fat set aside, and three kinds of bread are placed ‑ all now resting in the priests’ own hands and lifted, or “waved,” before God. • Key idea: the priests publicly present what God has provided, acknowledging that every part belongs to Him. The Wave Offering and Christ’s Perfect Sacrifice • Temporary vs. final: Aaron’s wave offering had to be repeated; Jesus “sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.” (Hebrews 7:26-27) • Acceptance before God: the waved portions were accepted, then returned for the priests’ benefit. Likewise, Christ’s offering was accepted by the Father and now blesses all who trust Him (Hebrews 10:10-14). • Lifted up: the physical “waving” points ahead to the greater lifting up of the Cross and the Resurrection (John 12:32; John 1:29). • Fragrant aroma: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) The pleasing smell of Exodus 29 becomes a once-for-all sweet aroma in Christ. Hands Filled—Priesthood Fulfilled • Hebrew idiom: “fill the hands” means ordain. In Exodus, Aaron’s hands are literally filled with sacrificial pieces; in the New Testament Jesus’ hands are filled with nail wounds, the eternal sign of His priestly ordination (Hebrews 9:11-14). • Human priests needed a substitute ram; our High Priest needed no substitute—He became the offering (Hebrews 9:26). Believers Share the Priesthood • Through Christ, every believer now exercises priestly service: “You… are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) • What we wave: – Bodies yielded in daily obedience (Romans 12:1) – Praise that rises “continually” (Hebrews 13:15) – Good works and generous sharing, “sacrifices pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16) • Result: “We are to God the fragrance of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:15) From Ordination Bread to Daily Bread • Three bread types in Exodus picture the fullness of provision. Jesus, the “living bread” (John 6:51), supplies everything required for our consecrated life. • As Aaron ate portions of the offering after it was waved, believers feed on Christ by faith, receiving ongoing strength for service (John 6:56-57). Practical Takeaways • God still wants what is in our hands, yet He is the One who first places it there. • Every act of obedience, love, or service becomes a “wave offering” when lifted to Him through Christ. • Confidence rests in the finished work of our High Priest; we minister from acceptance, not for it. |
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