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Outline 029 of 100 · Exodus

The Priesthood of Aaron

Exodus 28:1, 29-30, 38 — Mediated access to God through a divinely appointed priesthood

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Aaron and his sons were set apart to minister as priests, wearing garments 'for glory and for beauty' that pictured the righteousness with which a mediator must be clothed to represent sinners before God. The breastplate, engraved with the names of all twelve tribes, meant Aaron literally carried the names of Israel over his heart whenever he entered the holy place — a picture of intercession that is personal, not abstract. The golden plate on his forehead, inscribed 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD,' meant Aaron bore the guilt connected with Israel's imperfect offerings so that they would be accepted before God. No one could self-appoint to this office; the priesthood was a divine calling, teaching that access to God is never self-generated but always mediated. Hebrews takes up this exact pattern to show that Christ is the great High Priest who does not merely represent His people symbolically but who bore their sin actually, who carries their names not on cloth but in His own wounded body, and who ever lives to make intercession for them.

  1. I. The priest set apart

    • Chosen by God, not self-appointed
    • Garments "for glory and for beauty"
    • A picture of imputed righteousness for the mediator

  2. II. The names borne on the heart

    • Twelve tribes engraved on the breastplate
    • Intercession that is personal, not abstract
    • Christ carries His people's names before the Father

  3. III. The guilt borne on the forehead

    • "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on the golden plate
    • Bearing the iniquity of the holy things
    • The mediator absorbing imperfection in worship

  4. IV. The greater High Priest

    • Aaron's priesthood was temporary and repeated
    • Christ's priesthood is permanent and perfect
    • He ever lives to make intercession for us
The appeal

You have a High Priest who carries your name, not on cloth, but engraved in His own heart and hands. Will you draw near with confidence, trusting His perfect and permanent intercession rather than your own merit?

Key points

  • The priesthood was a divine appointment, not a self-claimed office.
  • Aaron's breastplate pictured personal, individual intercession for God's people.
  • Christ fulfills and surpasses Aaron's priesthood with a perfect, permanent mediation.

Key passages

  • Exodus 28:29-30
  • Exodus 28:36-38
  • Hebrews 4:14-16
  • Hebrews 7:24-25