Daily Lectionary | Exodus 29 & Matthew 25:31-46

Exodus 29

Summary

Aaron and his sons are the first high priest and priests of Israel. They are consecrated and ordained through a series of sacrifices. One bull and two rams are involved in the sacrifices. Aaron and his sons are ceremonially washed before being vested with their priestly garments. 

The bull will represent Aaron and his sons, as they lay their hands on it. The bull is slaughtered, its flesh burned on the altar for a sin offering. The first ram is likewise slaughtered as a “food offering.” The other ram is slaughtered, its blood applied to the ears, hands, and toes of Aaron and his sons. This is the ordination offering which will also be a food offering that Aaron and his sons will partake of along with prepared bread. “They shall eat those things with which atonement was made at their ordination and consecration . . .” (Ex. 29:33).

Aaron and his sons will offer daily burnt offerings on the altar in the morning and in the evening. This all happens at “the tent of meeting” the place where the Lord promises to meet with his people: “I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God” (Ex. 29:45).

Reflection

In this chapter, we have the representative role of priests and daily sacrifices that culminate in the Lord’s promise to dwell among his people. How does this chapter shed light on the incarnation of Jesus (cf. John 1:1-14). 

Matthew 25:31-46

Summary

Old Testament prophecy often has a double fulfillment. Jesus is the last and greatest prophet of the Old Covenant era, and he too announces the coming judgment of Israel along with a future judgment at the end of all things.

The Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24-25 focuses primarily on the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem and the importance of the disciples to be prepared at the coming of the Son of Man, which is partially fulfilled in AD 70 when Jerusalem was sacked. 

When we come to the sheep and goats, however it might refer to first century events, there is a stretching forward to a final judgment and sorting out of all things. The coming of Jesus in judgment on Israel within the generation of the disciples is a preview of the coming of Jesus in judgment and salvation to the world at the end of the ages.

The Son Man will judge the nations (25:32) and separate sheep from the goats. The sheep he will welcome into his kingdom and the goats he will cast out to eternal punishment (25:46). 

Reflection

On what basis are the sheep recognized from the goats?

Exodus 29

Summary

Aaron and his sons are the first high priest and priests of Israel. They are consecrated and ordained through a series of sacrifices. One bull and two rams are involved in the sacrifices. Aaron and his sons are ceremonially washed before being vested with their priestly garments. 

The bull will represent Aaron and his sons, as they lay their hands on it. The bull is slaughtered, its flesh burned on the altar for a sin offering. The first ram is likewise slaughtered as a “food offering.” The other ram is slaughtered, its blood applied to the ears, hands, and toes of Aaron and his sons. This is the ordination offering which will also be a food offering that Aaron and his sons will partake of along with prepared bread. “They shall eat those things with which atonement was made at their ordination and consecration . . .” (Ex. 29:33).

Aaron and his sons will offer daily burnt offerings on the altar in the morning and in the evening. This all happens at “the tent of meeting” the place where the Lord promises to meet with his people: “I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God” (Ex. 29:45).

Reflection

In this chapter, we have the representative role of priests and daily sacrifices that culminate in the Lord’s promise to dwell among his people. How does this chapter shed light on the incarnation of Jesus (cf. John 1:1-14). 

Matthew 25:31-46

Summary

Old Testament prophecy often has a double fulfillment. Jesus is the last and greatest prophet of the Old Covenant era, and he too announces the coming judgment of Israel along with a future judgment at the end of all things.

The Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24-25 focuses primarily on the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem and the importance of the disciples to be prepared at the coming of the Son of Man, which is partially fulfilled in AD 70 when Jerusalem was sacked. 

When we come to the sheep and goats, however it might refer to first century events, there is a stretching forward to a final judgment and sorting out of all things. The coming of Jesus in judgment on Israel within the generation of the disciples is a preview of the coming of Jesus in judgment and salvation to the world at the end of the ages.

The Son Man will judge the nations (25:32) and separate sheep from the goats. The sheep he will welcome into his kingdom and the goats he will cast out to eternal punishment (25:46). 

Reflection

On what basis are the sheep recognized from the goats?