How does Exodus 24:5 connect to Christ's ultimate sacrifice in the New Testament? Setting the Scene: Exodus 24:5 “Then he sent out young men of the Israelites, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD.” • Two sacrifices in view – Burnt offerings (ʿolah): entire animal consumed, symbolizing total devotion and atonement. – Peace offerings (shelamim): shared meal, expressing fellowship between God and His people. Foreshadowing in the Old Covenant • Blood would soon be sprinkled on the altar and on the people (Exodus 24:6–8), sealing the Sinai covenant. • Life-for-life principle established: forgiveness and fellowship require a spotless substitute (Leviticus 17:11). • Bulls’ blood was temporary, pointing beyond itself (Hebrews 10:1–4). Christ, the Fulfillment • Hebrews 9:12: “He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” • Matthew 26:28: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” • Hebrews 10:10: “We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” • John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19 reinforce Jesus as the spotless Lamb. Five Key Connections between Exodus 24:5 and Calvary 1. Same Covenant Logic – Sinai: covenant sealed with the blood of bulls. – Calvary: new covenant ratified with Christ’s own blood (Luke 22:20). 2. Superior Substitute – Bulls were unblemished animals. – Jesus is the sinless, eternal Son who perfectly satisfies God’s justice (Hebrews 9:14). 3. Once-for-All Sacrifice – Daily offerings at the tabernacle pointed to ongoing need. – Christ’s single offering secures eternal redemption, never needing repetition (Hebrews 10:12-14). 4. From External Cleansing to Internal Transformation – Animal blood purified the flesh. – Christ’s blood cleanses conscience and grants new hearts (Hebrews 9:13-14; Ezekiel 36:25-27). 5. Fulfilled Fellowship – Peace offerings provided a shared meal in God’s presence. – Through Jesus we have lasting peace and communion with the Father (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:13-18). Living in the Reality of the Better Blood • Confidence to draw near: Hebrews 10:19-22. • Ongoing gratitude and worship: Romans 12:1. • Proclamation of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. |
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