Daily Lectionary | Exodus 28 & Matthew 25:1-30

Exodus 28

Summary

Aaron and his sons will have a special role in the worship of the tabernacle. In the Bible, clothing is important. Think about Adam and Eve’s garments, Joseph’s robe, and Jesus’ garments. The saints in Revelation are robbed in splendid apparel. The priests garments are meant to match the beauty of the sanctuary. The garments are to be for “glory and beauty” and require skilled artists who are “filled with the spirit of skill” by the Lord! We often think it’s only the heart of worship that God is concerned about; but here, through and through, God is concerned about the form, aesthetics, and beauty of worship. There is a form that is befitting of the Lord’s worship. 

The priests’ garments include (1) a breastpiece, (2) a sleeveless garment called an ephod, (3) a coat, (4) a turban, and a (5) sash. The actual construction of these garments will be described in Exodus 39.

Significantly, on the priest’s breastplate are twelve stones that represent the twelve tribes of Israel: “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord” (Ex. 28: 29). Aaron will also bear “the judgment of the people on his heart before the Lord regularly” (Ex. 28:30).

Aaron and his sons will be ordained and consecrated to serve as priest. This ordination is associated with new garments, an investiture of sorts.

Reflection 

In what ways do the priests represent the people in their tabernacle service?

Matthew 25:1-30

Summary

Jesus tells three parables of preparation. In Matthew 24:45-51, the servant must be diligent and ready for whenever his master returns. In the parable of the Ten Virgins in chapter 25, the wise virgin must be ready for the arrival of the bridegroom at any time. In the parable of the talents, the servants must be ready for master return. The wise and foolish are contrasted in each parable. 

The parable of the virgins ends with “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day of the hour” (Matt. 25:13). This connects with Matthew 24:43: “Therefore stay awake for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” So the parable of virgins is referring to the same events as the parable of the servants--the coming of the Son of Man within “this generation” (Matt. 24:34). 

In verse 14, there seems to be a seamless transition into the parable of the talents. N.T. Wright suggests that the wicked servants may those, like Scribes and Pharisees Jesus rebukes in Matthew 23, who have been entrusted with God’s Law but they have hidden it. Israel was blessed to bless the nations, but they have hidden the gift of the law that God had given them. The Lord is a generous master, but his servants have squandered what he has given them. Those who take what the Lord has given and produces more are those who, like the disciples in the book of Acts, are fruitful, bearing witness to the Gospel. 

Reflection

What do the three parables from 24:45--25:1-30 have in common? What has Jesus entrusted to the church? How can we take care of such an investment?