Hidden treasures in unexpected places - part 3

Leviticus chapter 8 and Exodus chapter 28 both contain a really in depth description of what the priests wore. Why do I care what they wore?! What is this supposed to teach us?

Why did they have priests anyway? Well think of it this way. The priests are like actors about to put on a gospel show. Aaron as the high priest is acting the part of Jesus.  The priesthood teaches us about having someone do something on our behalf. As we learn about the priests we learn about what Christ has done for us. Keep that in mind as you read through Exodus and see how your view of the text changes.

Have a read through Exodus 28 and keep your eye out for the following:

The ephod – we’re told it’s made of the same stuff as the curtain in the tabernacle. This shows us that Jesus ‘clothed’ himself with the same stuff as us; He took on humanity.

The onyx stones – had the names of the tribes of Israel engraved on and the priest carried them over his heart. This represents the church and the priest carrying them with him wherever he goes. Christ is clothed with the church and He carries us with Him into the Father’s presence. Carrying us isn’t easy – those stones were pretty heavy! The weight of the stones is to represent the weight of sin which Jesus carried for us.

The breastpiece – also made of the same material as the curtain and had 12 precious stones on it to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. It was tightly fastened to the priest and in the same way we are firmly fastened to Jesus. He promises He will not lose anyone that the Father has given to Him (John 6:39)

Anointing oil – Priests were anointed with oil as a reminder of their reliance on the Holy Spirit. Also Jesus is the “Anointed One” who fully relies on the Holy Spirit. Aaron is given a wash and then anointed with oil. Jesus was washed in baptism and then anointed with the Holy Spirit. Psalm 133 describes how the oil the priests were anointed with overflowed onto the stones on the breastplate. Jesus is full of the Holy Spirit which overflows to His church.