How does Numbers 15:28 connect with Jesus' role as our High Priest? The verse under study “The priest is to make atonement before the LORD for the one who erred by sinning unintentionally; and when atonement is made for him, he will be forgiven.” What Numbers 15:28 is showing us • A priest, standing between the sinner and God • A specific sacrifice to cover an unintentional sin • An atonement that results in real, assured forgiveness Key connections to Jesus 1. The mediator role • Hebrews 4:14-16 presents Jesus as “a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens.” • Just as Israel’s priest stood before the LORD, Jesus stands before the Father on our behalf (1 Timothy 2:5). 2. The atoning sacrifice • Levitical priests offered animals; Jesus offered Himself. • Hebrews 9:11-12: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” 3. Forgiveness secured • Numbers promises forgiveness once the sacrifice is made. • Ephesians 1:7 affirms the same outcome through Christ: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” Similarities and contrasts Similarities • Both involve a priestly mediator. • Both require blood for atonement (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). • Both result in definite forgiveness. Contrasts • Frequency: Old-covenant priests repeated sacrifices daily (Hebrews 10:11); Jesus’ sacrifice was “once for all” (Hebrews 10:12). • Scope: Numbers addresses unintentional sins; Jesus covers every sin—intentional and otherwise (1 John 1:7). • Nature of priest: Aaronic priests were mortal and sinful (Hebrews 7:27-28); Jesus is sinless and lives forever (Hebrews 7:24-26). Why this matters for everyday faith • Assurance: The certainty of forgiveness in Numbers foreshadows the even greater confidence we now have (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Approachability: The Israelite brought a sacrifice through a priest; we “come boldly to the throne of grace” through Christ (Hebrews 4:16). • Permanence: No lingering guilt—“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Putting it all together Numbers 15:28 sketches the outline: a priest mediates, a sacrifice is offered, forgiveness follows. Hebrews fills in the full-color portrait: Jesus is that ultimate Priest, He Himself is the perfect sacrifice, and His finished work brings final, irrevocable forgiveness to all who trust Him. |
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