Day 7
Scripture: Exodus 4:1-17
Symbol: Breastplate with 12 Stones
Aaron and Moses' grandfather was Levi, the son of Jacob. The Messiah was not to come of the lineage of Levi, but we see in their lives a very important foreshadowing of Christ. Today we will look at the life of Aaron.
When God called Moses to be His mouthpiece, Moses told God, "I'm not eloquent enough; I've never been able to speak well! Even You, the Sovereign God, can't teach or use me! Choose someone else!" And so, angered by this man who dared to challenge Him, God agreed and chose Aaron to speak to His people.
From a human perspective it seems that Aaron was an afterthought, a result of Moses' folly. But this Aaron was to be the first high priest, who symbolically wore a breastplate with twelve precious stones embedded on it, representing those whom he represented: the 12 tribes of Israel. He would enter the Holy of Holies annually to intercede with God on behalf of the Israelites. He would be the one to sacrifice the scapegoat, the lamb, who would atone for the sins of the Israelites. And through fulfilling his calling, he would be the one to point to the coming Messiah, the true High Priest who once and for all atone for the sins of the world through offering Himself as the sacrifice. The High Priest who is not unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, having been a man like us, and now intercedes for us. Aaron was a part of God's plan to prepare the way for the Messiah!
Discussion Questions
- What fear does Moses express in Exodus 4:10-13?
- How does God help him? Exodus 4:14-17
- What position did God give Aaron in Exodus 28:1-4?
- Read Hebrews 5:1-4. What was the High Priest's main responsibility?
- Read Hebrews 5:7-10, 7:23-27. What kind of priest is Jesus?
