A Biblical Vision, Part I: Mastering the Old Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I : Mas ter i ng the Ol d Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

B. The calling of the priests

1. The High Priest (Exod. 28.1), called of the Lord, a type of Jesus Christ

a. Taken from among the people, Heb. 5.1

b. Ordained by God to represent humankind in things pertaining to the Lord, Heb. 5.1

c. Called of God himself, Heb. 5.4-6

d. Needed to be able to sympathize with the people in their weakness and sin

(1) Heb. 5.2 – He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. (2) Heb. 2.17-18 – Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [18] For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (3) Heb. 4.15-16 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

2. Priests were the sons of Aaron, Num. 3.1-4