How does Exodus 29:15 connect to Christ's ultimate sacrifice in the New Testament? Setting the Scene in Exodus 29:15 “Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.” (Exodus 29:15) • The ram is the second of three offerings in the priests’ ordination ceremony (bull for sin offering, this ram for burnt offering, then a second ram for ordination). • Laying hands transfers identity—symbolically placing the priests’ sins and duties on the substitute. • The whole ram will be consumed on the altar, picturing complete surrender to God, a “pleasing aroma” (v. 18). Key Parallels Between the Ram and Christ • Substitutionary Identification – Priests pressed their hands on the ram; believers place faith in Christ. – Isaiah 53:6 “the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” • Whole Burnt Offering → Total Self-Giving – The ram is offered in its entirety; Jesus offers Himself without reserve (Hebrews 9:14). – Ephesians 5:2 “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” • Ordination Purpose → Priestly Access – The ram consecrated priests for service; Christ’s sacrifice consecrates a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). – Hebrews 10:19-22: we enter the Most Holy Place by His blood. Progressive Revelation: From Shadow to Substance • Shadow: Animal blood could not cleanse the conscience (Hebrews 10:1-4). • Substance: “Once for all” sacrifice of the Son ends the sacrificial system (Hebrews 9:12; 10:10). • Continuity: Both sacrifices require perfect, unblemished males (Exodus 29:1; 1 Peter 1:19). • Contrast: Repeated ordination offerings vs. Christ’s single, decisive act (Hebrews 7:27). Why the Connection Matters Today • Confidence in Forgiveness: The same God who accepted the ram accepts Christ’s finished work (Romans 8:1). • Call to Consecration: Just as the priests emerged set apart, believers are urged to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Assurance of Access: Our High Priest’s perfect offering secures continual, unrestricted fellowship with the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16). Summary Snapshot Exodus 29:15’s ram foreshadows Jesus Christ—the perfect Substitute who bears our sins, is wholly given to God, and inaugurates an eternal priesthood. Every detail of that ancient ceremony quietly points forward to the once-for-all sacrifice that secures redemption, consecration, and communion for all who trust in Him. |
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