Exodus 28 — Thoughts

Can a Person Be a Symbol?

Sometimes, even people are symbolic.

I’ve always been able to see the symbolism in the Tabernacle. The lamp, the bread table, the sacrifice on the altar, even the entry to the courtyard — all of them represent Jesus.

But there was one symbol I’d missed: the High Priest. Yes, even Moses’ brother Aaron was a symbol of Jesus.

The High Priest came to God as a representative of God’s people. He brought the sacrifice for the people’s sins to God, and he prayed to God for the people. He was the bridge between God’s people and God.

That’s exactly what Jesus does for us.

Jesus took our place on the cross, representing us as He endured the punishment for our sins. Jesus didn’t just bring a sacrifice for our sins before God; He was the ultimate sacrifice for sin. And Jesus now advocates for us before God. Jesus is the “one mediator between God and mankind” because Jesus is God Himself.

This is why the book of Hebrews calls Jesus our “great high priest.” Everything the High Priest did for Israel in the Old Testament, Jesus does for us now — and forever.

(Originally written June 21, 2022)